Rumoured Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain has turned down a lucrative offer to join Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune, according to reports.
The future of the Napoli striker has been the subject of speculation in recent days after reports suggested that Arsenal were considering making an offer of £42.2m plus Olivier Giroud.
Napoli are understood to be holding out for an £80m offer that would trigger the Argentina international's release clause, although the Gunners are unlikely to match that figure.
In another twist in the saga, Sky Sports News is now reporting that Hebei China Fortune have offered to make Higuain the highest-paid player in history with an offer of £800,000 a week.
However, the report goes on to state that Higuain has turned down the big-money move in order to remain playing at the top level of European football.
The 28-year-old scored 36 league goals for Napoli last season, equalling the all-time Serie A record that was set during the 1928-29 campaign.
Hebei China Fortune have already signed a number of high-profile players in recent months, including former Arsenal forward Gervinho, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gael Kakuta.
Barney Corkhill
