Arsenal Transfer News: Denis Cheryshev Rumours Emerge, Karim Benzema Latest

Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev, as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks to build a side capable of winning the Premier League in 2014-15.

Liverpool have long been linked with the Russian, but Arsenal are now looking to pip their English rivals.

Real Madrid would reportedly listen to offers north of €21 million (£14.8 million) for Cheryshev, and Arsenal are now lining up such a bid, per Manu De Juan of Spanish outlet AS.

The Telegraph recently reported that Liverpool are prepared to offer a similar sum to claim the 24-year-old's signature. But should it come down to a choice between the two clubs, Arsenal may have the edge given their Champions League status.

Cheryshev spent last season on loan at Villarreal and impressed, as he netted four times and provided nine assists from the left flank, per WhoScored.com.

The presence of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jese in the Los Blancos squad means it is unlikely Cheryshev could break into the Real first team.

However, after an impressive showing in pre-season, new Madrid boss Rafael Benitez may look to keep Cheryshev for the coming term as valuable back-up, per Spanish football writer Simon Harrison:

He could be a good addition at Arsenal to fill the left-wing role, although the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck can also perform in that position.

The area that really does need to be strengthened if the Gunners are finally going to make a genuine tilt at the title again is up front, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Arsenal have been endlessly linked with a move for Real's Karim Benzema despite Wenger denying any interest in the Frenchman, per the Independent's Samuel Stevens. 

However, Benitez has now ruled out a Benzema move once and for all, insisting he is staying at the Bernabeu, per Marca: "I see no reason why Karim should have to leave. I am sure that he will stay. I am very happy with him."

It is unsurprising that Benitez wants to hold on to Benzema, given the immense contribution the 27-year-old makes to the Real cause, per WhoScored:

But it is exactly those kind of qualities that would make him a game-changing buy for Arsenal, as he is a consistently prolific goalscorer—more so than Olivier Giroud—and could also create for the Gunners' numerous other attacking forces. 

That ship has seemingly sailed, though, and Arsenal look set to enter the new Premier League season relying on Giroud and Theo Walcott to do the business up front.