Gonzalo Higuain has become the third-most expensive signing in football history after joining Juventus from Napoli.

Juve have triggered the 28-year-old Argentina striker's release clause of €90million, placing him behind only Real Madrid pair Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo on the all-time record list.

A statement on juventus.com read: “Juventus Football Club can today confirm that it has purchased the registration rights of Gonzalo Higuain for 90million euros, payable in two financial years.

“The player has agreed a five-year contract with the club.”

Higuain scored a remarkable 36 goals in 35 Serie A games last season as Napoli finished second in the table, nine points behind Juve.

Having initially moved to Europe with Real Madrid, joining from River Plate in his homeland, Higuain scored 107 goals in six-and-a-half seasons and helped the club win three league titles and the 2011 Copa del Rey.

He moved on to Napoli in 2013 and added the 2014 Coppa Italia to his list of honours.

Higuain has won 63 caps for his country since his debut in 2009, scoring 32 goals and helping the Albiceleste reach the final at the 2014 World Cup and in the Copa America this year and last — they were beaten on all three occasions.

The transfer was originally confirmed when Higuain’s name appeared on a list of completed deals on the official website of the Lega Serie A. Napoli then announced on Twitter that Juve had met the player’s release clause.