Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Fernando Llorente and Karim Benzema Rumours

Reports suggest Arsenal are attempting to strengthen their striking options by recruiting either Fernando Llorente or Karim Benzema.

George Bellshaw of Metro says Llorente could be available for a cut-price £5.8 million as Juventus look to offload the Spain international. 

Bellshaw cites Tutto Mercato Web's claim that the player will be forced out of Turin after the big-money capture of Argentinian prodigy Paulo Dybala.

Fabrizio Giovannozzi/Associated Press

The Gunners will face competition from Sevilla, who reportedly want to bring the former Athletic Bilbao striker back to Spain, but the thought of a move to the Premier League could tempt the player. 

Arsenal have been reliant on Olivier Giroud at the front of the attack, and the Frenchman claimed he was hurt by Thierry Henry's recent claim that the team need an injection of strikers, per Jim van Wijk of the Press Association (h/t the Daily Mail):

"

It is part of the game. I will never win unanimous support. Apparently [Henry] corrected himself recently, he said that he was thinking about competition, that he wanted Arsenal to have many strikers who can score goals. He was a little brutal at the time, so it caused a fuss, but that is what he's asked to do as a pundit and I didn't lose any sleep over it. 

Of course, it hurts your pride, it brings into question the work you do every day. It irritates you, and I was a little annoyed, but I quickly put it behind me.

"

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Llorente has a strong pedigree in Spain and Italy, and he would offer a similar alternative to Giroud if manager Arsene Wenger wants to keep a similar shape when his first-choice striker is unavailable. 

Opta recently highlighted the player's strengths, which could be utilised in the English game:

At the quoted price, Llorente could be a real bargain for the Gunners, but he certainly isn't the world-class player Arsenal fans will be urging Wenger to buy.

Benzema Heads Arsenal Wish List

With Llorente's potential addition adding depth, Wenger will reportedly look toward one of a trio of top strikers, headed by Real Madrid's Karim Benzema.

George Bellshaw of Metro says the mercurial Frenchman is being considered, along with historical targets Jackson Martinez and Gonzalo Higuain.

Bellshaw cites Fichajes.net as claiming that Benzema will be shown the door by Los Blancos after the arrival of new manager Rafa Benitez, whose preferred formation does not suit the player. 

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However, with Jackson and Higuain potentially on the market in the coming weeks, Wenger could be spoilt for choice.

Llorente would make financial sense for Arsenal if they are looking to bolster squad numbers, but he will not be the player who triggers the Gunners' potential to win the biggest titles.

Benzema, Higuain and Jackson all have exceptional class and are world beaters at the top of their form.

If Wenger can grab one of these three talents, Arsenal will not be far away from the Premier League crown.