Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Karim Benzema and Layvin Kurzawa Rumours

Arsenal may get the chance to bolster options at striker ahead of next season, provided the Gunners will spend £40 million to lure Karim Benzema away from Real Madrid.

The technically gifted centre-forward could be on the market, according to the Daily Star's Jamie Anderson. 

He states a trio of Premier League rivals, including the Gunners, are keen on Benzema but must meet his steep asking price: "Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all vying for his services, but would be forced to part with a sizeable £40m to secure his services."

But the basis of Anderson's belief Benzema will even be available seems unclear. He cites unnamed "sensational Spanish reports" that apparently state Los Blancos want to sell.

Later in the same article, Anderson also relays quotes from Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti that explain the Italian coach's faith in his French striker: 

"Benzema is enjoying a good run of form, I don't know if it is the best of his career, but it is his best form since I have been here. I really like how he works for the team, he is a really important player for us."

While there may be doubts about the validity of suggestions Benzema will exit the Spanish capital this summer, few would doubt his potential fit at Arsenal. The Frenchman possesses the creative acumen and natural flair to thrive in the brand of attractive, attacking football Gunners boss Arsene Wenger preaches.

As a link player with deceptive quickness and a quality touch in front of goal, Benzema would certainly challenge incumbent Olivier Giroud. The latter is exceptional when creating chances for others with expert flicks and passes at close quarters in and around the box.

Yet, while Giroud's scoring record is definitely decent, he generally lacks guile as a finisher. Giroud has found the net 17 times in all competitions this season, per WhoScored.com, despite missing three months with a foot injury.

Even with the goals, there are plenty who doubt the ex-Montpellier man's ability to be good enough to fire Arsenal to a league title. Among them is ex-Gunners record-setting striker Thierry Henry.

He suggest Wenger's squad needs three quality strikers, per his Sun on Sunday column (h/t the Mirror's James Whaling). Henry feels Giroud needs more competition around him.

Francois Mori/Associated Press

That opinion might not be shared by Wenger. He may feel the competition already exists in the form of England internationals Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott.

The former is quick and powerful, but goal-shy. Meanwhile, Walcott boasts lightning pace and has matured into a quality finisher.

But Walcott is in the middle of a contract standoff with the club. Yet, it's telling Wenger believes not only will the 26-year-old stay but that his best position will ultimately be as a striker, per BBC Sport: 

"Being 26 to 32 is the best age as a striker, and I wouldn't like to miss that golden age. He can be transformed. He is naturally gifted to play in this position."

Wenger has usually deployed the player beset with injuries in recent seasons on the flanks. But a fully fit Walcott is a lethal attacker capable of tormenting any top-level defence.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

There also are the futures of on-loan trio Yaya Sanogo, Joel Campbell and Lukas Podolski to be decided. Wenger, who's always been a staunch believer in the potential for a player's development, may choose to trust that one or more of his current strikers will find their form next season.

Arsenal Free to Bid For Layvin Kurzawa

Further back, Wenger could bolster his defence at two different positions. That is if he decides to pursue AS Monaco full-back Layvin Kurzawa.

He has informed the Ligue 1 club, which knocked Arsenal out of the UEFA Champions League, he wants to leave this summer, per Metro's George Bellshaw. A 22-year-old left-back who also can play as a central defender, Kurzawa is a rising defensive ace.

Arsenal are pretty well stocked at left-back. The emergence of Spanish veteran Nacho Monreal has been one of the revelations of the Gunners' season.

But as good as he's been, Monreal will always lack top-end pace, particularly on the turn. There also is the significant regression of Kieran Gibbs to consider.

In an athletic sense, Kurzawa would certainly be an upgrade over Monreal, even though he may not be able to read the game quite, as well. Wenger will have to decide if that's worth paying a fee for in the summer and disrupting a settled back four.

Adding more firepower seems like a greater priority than acquiring new recruits for the back. The Gunners need more goals in the biggest games against the toughest teams. Wenger's men failed to score in two games against champions Chelsea this season.

But Wenger may not find it easy or cheap securing a significant upgrade on his current options in attack.