Arsenal Transfer News: Fernando Llorente Contacted Amid Karim Benzema Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering an £8 million move for Juventus striker Fernando Llorente because he "fears missing out on Karim Benzema," according to Antony Kastrinakis of the Sun.

Manchester United are also said to be interested in Llorente, who could strengthen Louis van Gaal's limited attacking options of Wayne Rooney and James Wilson.

However, Kastrinakis (h/t Charles Perrin of the Express) reported comment from an unnamed source: "It's Arsenal who've been in contact—not United. They have made an inquiry but there is no bid yet. But it is clear they are interested and it is also clear that Juventus are ready to listen."

Kike Marin of Spanish publication El Confidencial reported that Benzema is Arsenal's No. 1 attacking target on Thursday. He also noted Wenger has another name in mind if Benzema cannot be lured:

Karim Djaziri, Benzema's agent, made it clear Real Madrid aren't willing to sell the French striker, per Bryan Swanson of Sky Sports: "Karim is very happy at Real Madrid and he will be a Real Madrid player by the end of this transfer window, 1,000 percent. Karim is not looking to move anywhere this summer."

Wenger could turn to Llorente, a player who is not needed in Turin after Juventus added Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic to the option of Alvaro Morata up front. Arsenal don't possess a great aerial presence when entering the final third and could use someone of Llorente's 6'5" frame to increase the side's threat from set pieces.

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

He is hardly a risk at £8 million—Llorente still netted seven in 1,962 minutes worth of Serie A football last season, per WhoScored.com—and would add competition for Olivier Giroud. Wenger is also likely to rely on the speed and incision of Theo Walcott, a player who finished last term strongly and is looking confident in pre-season.

However, Tuttosport (h/t Tom Conn of Inside Spanish Football) reports Llorente turned down approaches from "Monaco, Porto and several other English Premier League sides" to wait for Madrid. It's difficult to suggest he's needed in the Spanish capital if Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale remain at the club.

Wenger has admitted his priority is to develop young talent, rather than simply buy a squad of superstars, in order to ensure Arsenal remain financially healthy. "After, if we can buy the exceptional players, we can compete today but that will not be the basis of our policy," he said, reported Matt Barlow of Daily Mail.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed Arsenal's transfer window so far, which has only seen goalkeeper Petr Cech added to the squad:

Benzema remains one of the best strikers in the world, a player who can impact any side. New Madrid boss Rafa Benitez will know this and isn't likely to give the 27-year-old up lightly, if at all. Llorente is a quality alternative option, but he isn't someone who would waltz straight into the Gunners first team.

Wenger appears determined not to waste money on stars who won't contribute this summer. A difficult market suggests if Benzema is the dream, Llorente is the reality.