Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Latest Buzz from Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria

Simply put, it hasn't been a summer to remember for Arsenal fans as a once-promised big spending spree hasn't quite come to fruition.

But despite the transfer window ticking down to its final days, the Gunners are still chasing some of the biggest names in world football. 

Will Arsene Wenger make amends with his fanbase by bringing in a big name from one of the giant football clubs? That much remains to be seen. But if he can land either or both of these players listed below, it would be a massive instance of damage control. 

Let's take a look at the latest buzz surrounding Arsenal's pursuit of Real Madrid forward Angel di Maria and striker Karim Benzema. 

Karim Benzema

Arsenal may end up getting their world-class striker after all.

No, not Gonzalo Higuain. No, not Luis Suarez. No, not Wayne Rooney.

Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph reported Thursday that Arsenal are planning a shopping spree to end the transfer window and Karim Benzema is at the top of that list. 

But if such a deal were to happen, it would ironically have to include Suarez moving to Madrid to replace the potentially departed Benzema. David Hytner of The Guardian reports that acquiring Benzema is essentially out of Arsenal's hands until Madrid finds a replacement.

That's right: a player once destined to join the Gunners is now likely the only thing standing between Arsenal and their newly coveted striker. The irony is endless. 

As far as a price range, Wilson reports it's in the area of £40 million.

Of course, Madrid's pursuit of Suarez should only happen if a world-record bid for Tottenham's Gareth Bale falls through. Sami Mokbel of Daily Mail reported Spurs are on the verge of pulling the plug on the deal. But if Madrid ends up shelling out £90-plus million for one player, they may be forced to sell Benzema to make up for the lost cash.

Pretty much, it will take non-Arsenal moves for Benzema to end up as Wenger's summer gem. But it's far from impossible at this point. 

Angel di Maria

Though not as coveted and high-profile as his Real Madrid counterpart, Angel di Maria is wanted by Arsenal according to the aforementioned Wilson report from The Telegraph.

Wilson states that di Maria was "previously put forward as a potential part of the Bale deal," but now the Gunners are intrigued by what he could do alongside potential acquisition Benzema. 

The Argentinian's stock is estimated at £25 million, per James Dickenson of Daily Express. 

Di Maria has maintained a spot in Real Madrid's starting lineup for some time, and his ability on the left wing is about as close as you can get to world class without being a household name.

Of course, the arrival of di Maria would likely mean the end of Lukas Podolski's days with Arsenal, at least for the time being. The Telegraph reported Friday that Arsenal is nearing a loan agreement with German club Schalke 04. 

Podolski hasn't proved able to etch his name into Arsenal's starting lineup for the long term, despite showing heaps of potential. The move would likely earn him more playing time as he aims for a favorable spot in Germany's 2014 World Cup squad.