Former Argentine international Ossie Ardiles believes Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain can have the same impact in the Premier League as former Gunners' striker Robin van Persie.

The 25-year-old Higuain has long been linked with a move to the Emirates, with the moving gaining strength recently after the striker's brother admitted a deal was 'close'.

And should Arsenal secure the Real Madrid player, then former Spurs player and manager Ardiles is confident it will be money well spent, believing his compatriot could be as good as many of the Premier League's current stars.

"Van Persie is a super player, one of my favourites and one of the best in the Premier League last season, along with Gareth Bale," Sky Sports. "Can Higuain be as good as Van Persie? Of course he can, that's how good Higuain is.

"You remember when Van Persie arrived he was not exactly, immediately, the best player, it took a bit of time. But he was younger, now Higuain is much more experienced.

"Higuain is a top player. He will always score goals. He likes to be in the box all the time and he works hard for his team, wherever he goes he's going to be great for the team he's joining."

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