Arsenal Transfer News : Benayoun on His Way to Arsenal

It has been reported that Chelsea's unwanted midfielder, Yossi Benayoun, is headed for the Emirates. The Israeli midfielder, who has been seen by new Chelsea boss Villas Boas as more than requirement could be the last of signings by the Gunners boss on a busy deadline day for the North London club.

The 31-year-old attacking midfielder who moved to Stamford Bridge from Anfield last season, saw his playing time curtailed to a mere eight matches due to a achilles injury.

The Israeli may be past his prime, but he still could be used as a standby in times of injury. The Gunners have looked to be lacking quality on their bench when hit by injuries to their top players.

Last weekend's drubbing by Manchester United bared the truth, that Arsenal lacks quality and depth in their bench. The most humiliating defeat in more than a century saw Wenger face severe criticism from his own fans as well as from several ex-Arsenal players.

The last two days saw Wenger splash the cash to sign two new defenders in Santos and Per Merstesacker to bolster his squad.

With reports coming of Arsenal showing interest in the Blues midfielder for a possible loan deal, it could be a good bargain for the Gunners, given the time they have chosen to buy players.

A possible move for Everton's Mikel Arteta fell through as Moyes was not ready to lose out his star player on a cheap bargain to Arsenal. Given the conditions, a deal for Benayoun too would be a good one as it would help the young Arsenal team with much-needed experience that they lack with the departure of Cesc and Nasri.

Though Benayoun might not be anywhere near replacing Wenger's top class midfielders, he could well be the saving grace for Arsenal this season. He performs brilliantly as a utility player with much flexibility and creativity, both of which are the need for Arsenal in their present conditions.

If the deal goes through, Wenger could be happy to have made a good bargain for a player of the the calibre of Yossi Benayoun.