Arsenal Transfer News: Huge Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will attempt to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski if he cannot land Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, according to Kike Marin of El Confidencial.

Marin explained Lewandowski represents an alternative option for Wenger, who needs to strengthen his attacking possibilities:

However, Bundesliga pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft doesn't expect Lewandowski to be available this summer:

Lewandowski also continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United, although his agent recently played down the likelihood of a deal on Polish TV (h/t Sky Sports): "There is no reason, apart from money to be honest, to even think about it (Lewandowski leaving)," said Cezary Kucharski.

Telegraph Sport cites Marin when suggesting Wenger has contacted Benzema's agents. The French striker could face a frustrating season at Real Madrid—especially if new boss Rafa Benitez deploys Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale down the centre—where his qualities are prone to being overlooked.

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Wenger will likely choose between Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott next season, two players who are yet to truly catch fire for the Gunners.

Although the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla ensure that Arsenal's creative options are well stacked, it's been years since Wenger had a legitimate 20-goal-per-season striker at his disposal.

Arsenal fans will think back to Robin van Persie, Thierry Henry and others who used to romp through Premier League defences. Both Benzema and Lewandowski are proven at the highest level and could add much-needed physicality to a forward line that can be dominated in combative contests.

Giroud passes and moves well, but he cannot be considered a top-level finisher. The same can be said of Walcott, whose pace allows him to latch on to through balls and toward the opposition's defence in a flash. Like Giroud, his Gunners career is defined by two concurrent notions: he's a potential match-winner who doesn't show this quality enough.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed potential signings for the club:

Benzema is used to bringing wide men into play, so he'd be a natural fit. Lewandowski is more prone to skipping beyond defenders with the ball, but he can also effectively work the hold-up man role if needed.

Wenger may be looking to station someone in the opposition's box, adding the final piece to an attacking puzzle that otherwise appears ready to land regular silverware.