Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Karim Benzema and Sergi Samper Rumours

Reports have emerged speculating Arsenal have increased their offer for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema in a bid to finally land the Frenchman, while hopes are looking up in the Gunners' search to sign Sergi Samper.

Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (via Metro) states Arsenal are now willing to pay a fee of £35.3 million for Benzema, whom they are hoping to partner alongside compatriot Olivier Giroud at the Emirates Stadium.

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The Real Madrid forward has been linked with a north London move since his days at Lyon, but his agent has moved to pour cold water on the alleged switch in recent days.

Speaking to Sky Sports' Bryan Swanson last week, agent Karim Djaziri insisted his client will remain at the Bernabeu, where he is apparently content for the time being:

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Karim is very happy at Real Madrid and he will be a Real Madrid player by the end of this transfer window, 1,000 per cent. Karim is not looking to move anywhere this summer.

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Gunners manager Arsene Wenger signed Danny Welbeck in a deadline day move 11 months ago, but there are fears the England international may not be of the elite calibre Arsenal fans are hoping for the club to recruit.

Wenger's side routed Lyon 6-0 in the opening match of their Emirates Cup campaign on Saturday, at which point the manager addressed rumours linking his club and Benzema:

John Cross of the Mirror agrees Arsenal need another striker to compete for the Premier League crown, but doesn't believe Benzema will be it, as familiar rumours have surfaced once again:

Chelsea's recent recruitment of Radamel Falcao, having just seen Didier Drogba depart Stamford Bridge, gives them a depth in attack the Gunners just don't boast, with Diego Costa and Loic Remy already in west London.

Los Merengues star Benzema appears to be enjoying his football as the middle spear in a three-pronged attack including Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, with the chances of a summer exit looking slim. 

Sergi Samper Seeking Camp Nou Exit

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Arsenal have been encouraged to make their move for Barcelona starlet Samper after it came to light the midfielder wishes to leave the Camp Nou either on a temporary or permanent deal.

Metro's Jamie Sanderson cites Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo (via Barcastuff) in reporting Samper's desire for first-team football is so great, he would consider an exit from his Catalonian setting:

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B midfielder Sergi Samper wants to leave on loan. If club doesn't allow it, he could join a team that pays 12M buyout fee, like Arsenal [md]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) July 22, 2015"

The 20-year-old has made just four appearances with Barcelona's senior side and has yet to make his La Liga debut, understandably seeking alternative options regarding his future.

Barcelona lost to Manchester United 3-1 in their International Champions Cup on Saturday, where Spanish writer Sergi Dominguez asked why Samper wasn't involved, questioning the selections of manager Luis Enrique:

It's true this summer should give Samper his opportunity to feature among Barca's senior side, while the departure of club icon Xavi should open up space for competition in midfield.

However, Barcastuff goes on to add the player's agent is poised to meet with Barcelona officials regarding his summer intentions, with a €12 million (£8.5 million) buyout clause well within Arsenal's reach:

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The agent of B player Sergi Samper (20) will meet with the club after US tour. Player prefers to join top-tier team on loan this season [md]

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) July 23, 2015"

Wenger will be hoping to see Jack Wilshere remain fit for the upcoming campaign, where he'd like to see the England international form a midfield three with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin.

That being said, Samper may be the ideal blend of cost-effective reinforcements and potential that Wenger tends to favour, presenting an intriguing prospect either on loan or in a permanent deal.