Albion could make Nico Gonzalez their first summer signing.

But they were last night believed to be competing for his services with Fiorentina – and the legacy of Gabriel Batistuta.

Gonzalez, a versatile Argentina forward, was yesterday reported by The Guardian to be close to a move to the Amex for what would be a record fee of £25 million.

A well-placed source closer to home confirmed the Seagulls’ continuing pursuit of Gonzalez but went no further than that.

No deal has been done yet and it is understood he is also intrigued by interest from Fiorentina.

The 23-year-old Stuttgart star is close friends with Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, with whom he played at Argentinos Juniors.

He visited Mac Allister in Hove last summer.

But he also has friends from the national set-up within the Fiorentina squad.

The Italian outfit have a glowing reputation in Argentina dating back to the days when Batistuta was their star man in attack.

They are considered in Argentina to be a bigger club than Albion with more chance of competing for silverware or Europe, despite a mediocre Serie A campaign last term.

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But a source in Argentina said it was unclear whether Fiorentina would match the Seagulls financially.

Gonzalez scored six Bundesliga goals last season and was bright in the Copa America against Chile this week, although he missed chances in a 1-1 draw.