Arsenal Transfer News: Top Targets Eyed by Arsene Wenger, Latest Rumours

Arsenal reportedly remain very interested in bringing Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger hinting a deal could potentially be done down the line.

According to Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star, the French striker is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool. The piece also notes that, according to the Sun, Los Blancos are willing to listen to offers for their No. 9.

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Wenger mentioned Benzema when speaking to the media recently, revealing he’d be keen to strengthen the group with an “exceptional player,” per Anderson’s piece:

"

Benzema is not happening at the moment but if I can find an exceptional player to strengthen the squad I will do it. We don’t rule out another signing and we don’t guarantee that we will buy. I am happy with the squad but it really does depend what is in the market.

"

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It’d be a major coup for the Gunners. After all, the Frenchman is one of the very best strikers in European football, and although he may not be the main man in the Spanish capital, he’s a tremendous foil for the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

As noted here by WhoScored.com, Benzema has long performed to an extraordinarily high level:

Given Real don’t have any other orthodox No. 9s in their squad, it’d be very strange to see them listen to offers. Indeed, Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell can’t see any deal happening for Arsenal in their apparent pursuit of the Frenchman:

On paper, the ex-Lyon star would be a superb capture for the Gunners. Benzema is a player who can drop off the front and link with the midfield talents Arsenal possess, but he’s just as comfortable loitering on the shoulder of defenders and surging in behind.

If Wenger is looking at bringing in a striker this summer, then only a player like Benzema would represent a major upgrade on the current options of Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud. But it’d be a surprise for Real to listen to offers for their centre-forward, meaning the Gunners may have to pursue other alternatives.

Arsenal 'In Talks' With Alessio Romagnoli

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According to Alfredo Pedulla of TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Tom Coast of SportWitness.com), the Gunners are currently “in talks” with Roma about a transfer of young defender Alessio Romagnoli.

The piece notes that the 20-year-old is in high demand with a clutch of elite clubs, including the Gunners and Napoli. However, it’s claimed the Giallorossi have put a €30 million valuation on their prize asset, and it “remains to be seen” as to whether that puts the Gunners off in their pursuit.

According to Sky Sport Italia (h/t football-italia.net), Chelsea are also interested. Here’s a look at why there is so much hype surrounding this talented young player:

Romagnoli would be a fine signing for the Gunners and would inject some youthful impetus at the centre of their defence. The youngster was on loan at Sampdoria last season and, as we can see here courtesy of OptaPaolo, was a hugely positive influence:

Although Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are likely to be Arsenal’s central defensive pairing for the 2015-16 season, it’s important Wenger looks to the future when it comes to defensive positions. And Romagnoli would potentially be a brilliant long-term partner for Calum Chambers at the heart of the Gunners’ back four.

Thanassis Stavrakis/Associated Press

But the youngster needs to continue getting regular game time, as he did last season, if he’s to continue growing as a player. After shining for Sampdoria, he now looks ready to make an impression in the Giallorossi first team. In addition, it’s tough to see Wenger shelling out so much on a player who would be starting on the bench next season.