Arsenal Transfer News: Arsenal Reportedly Interested in Benat

Arsenal are believed to be interested in Real Betis midfielder Benat over the upcoming January transfer window following his strong start to the year in La Liga.

The 25-year-old Benat has established himself well in the national side and is thought to be a transfer target for Arsene Wenger, who is looking to add another defensive midfielder into his side to complement the likes of Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla.

The North London club will be on particularly high alert now, after Betis' sporting director Jose Antonio Bosch Valero stated that he could leave the club over the winter window if the right offer came in for him.

Per Spanish media outlets AS and Onda Cero (h/t Give Me Football):

"

We can't rule out the possibility that Benat could leave in the winter.

Negotiations on a [contract] renewal are fluid, but so far no progress has been made because the positions are so different.

We realize that Benat may earn more at other clubs than at Betis.

"

The Spanish international currently leads Betis in assists so far this season, with four from his opening seven matches, and is also first in both goal-scoring chances created as well as average passes per game (according to WhoScored.com).

Technically, he is very sound, having come through the ranks at the Athletic Bilbao youth academy, and would obviously combine well with both Arteta and Cazorla.

Arsene Wenger made the steal of the summer transfer window when he picked up Cazorla for around £15 million (per BBC Sport), and should he offer the same amount for Benat, it would most likely attract a great deal of interest and thought from his current club Betis.

Judging by Valero's comments above, it seems that the Spanish club have almost resigned themselves to the departure of Benat over the winter transfer window, and are now just interested in seeing how high an offer than can get for the talented midfielder.

Liverpool are also believed to be interested in the 25-year-old, who could provide an interesting option in midfield for the Gunners through the latter half of the season.

Should Arsenal try sign Benat over the January transfer window?

Comment below or hit me up on Twitter:  Follow @dantalintyre