Arsene Wenger has made a move for Real Madrid striker but he could be priced out of reach, while Gunners are still on course to capture Everton's star man

By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Gonzalo Higuain and are waiting for Everton's permission to hold talks with Marouane Fellaini, Goal understands.

The Gunners are prepared to smash the £20 million barrier on two marquee signings this summer.

Contact has been made with the representatives of Higuain, who has publicly insisted that he will quit Real Madrid this summer.

However, amid strong interest in the Argentine striker from Juventus, the Spanish club are holding out for a minimum £25.5m fee, which could be beyond what Arsenal are willing to pay.

As revealed by Goal, Arsenal activated Fellaini's £22million buy-out clause last weekas they close in on what would be a club-record signing.

It is understood that the north Londoners are now waiting for Everton to make the Belgium international available for talks in order to begin negotiating terms.

Even if Fellaini agrees a package with Arsenal, the club are in no rush to complete the signing, as most of their key staff, including the medical team, are now on holiday and will not return to the club until the end of June.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has made it clear during two question-and-answer chats in the last week that the club intend to flex their new-found financial muscle this summer with big-name signings.

The club have set their sights on luring versatile midfielder Fellaini from Everton in addition to a marquee centre-forward.

As revealed by Goal, Arsenal have registered their interest in Wayne Rooney, while Fioretina's Stevan Jovetic also features high up on their striker shortlist. The club are also monitoring the situations of Robert Lewandowski and Edin Dzeko.

Real president Florentino Perez, who is preparing to sanction a mammoth bid for Edinson Cavani, has publicly claimed that Higuain will cost a minimum of £25.5m.

This is most likely a negotiating tactic to force a bidding war between Juventus and Arsenal, who are leading the scramble for the 25-year-old.

Juve officials stepped up their interest in Higuain during a meeting with his representatives last Sunday, while Arsenal have also held informal discussions with the player's camp.

It is unlikely that any deal will be formalised until Real appoint their new manager, with Carlo Ancelotti expected to be installed at the Bernabeu when he is released from his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

Arsenal are expecting to make full use of the biggest kitty in the club's history this summer. The club have already made moves to sign Swansea City defender Ashley Williams and QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar.