Arsenal Transfer News: Karim Benzema Saga Nears Conclusion, Dennis Praet Rumours

Latest speculation insists the transfer saga linking Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema with a move to Arsenal will reach its end this week, while Anderlecht youngster Dennis Praet is a target for West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal fans were sent into a frenzy this weekend after BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey alleged "a source who is rarely wrong" had told him the Gunners were on the verge of a major signing:

As the most fervent rumour of their summer transfer window, it was largely assumed this was a reference to Real's Benzema.

Earlier on Friday, FourFourTwo writer Emanuele Giulianelli went one step further, proclaiming the France international would arrive in London on Sunday after meetings between the two clubs:

It's well-founded the north Londoners are hoping to sign a forward this summer as competition for Giroud, and international compatriot Benzema appears to be top of the list.

Another of Arsenal's former French sensations, Thierry Henry, told Sky Sports that Benzema's arrival at the Emirates Stadium could be enough to win manager Arsene Wenger another Premier League title:

"

Yes, Arsenal would win the league. I think if you get Benzema, not only will you challenge for the league, but you also challenge for the Champions League.

They need that type of striker who can be different to Olivier Giroud. Him alone as a striker all season, he is very good at what he does but you need to have that type of striker who can stretch a defence, a guy that can go in behind.

"

Real Madrid's front man has formed a devastating combination with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in Madrid, but Benzema is often seen as a lesser piece in that three-pronged attack.

As confirmed by Spanish newspaper AS, the 27-year-old has missed Real's pre-season trip to Oslo after it was reported he had suffered a thigh strain:

Despite being the leader figure in terms of position, Benzema is regularly outshone by Ronaldo—as he would just about any player—but the same could be said of Bale, a favourite of Real president Florentino Perez.

However, Wenger would be expected to make the forward the star centrepiece in his attack if he did seal a move for Benzema, with the Independent reporting Manchester City's Sergio Aguero would be Real's preferred replacement:

Arsenal fans would undoubtedly like to see a striker of Benzema's calibre arrive in the English capital, with his pedigree far beyond that of last year's deadline-day acquisition, Danny Welbeck.

Many would agree with Henry that his purchase could turn Arsenal into title contenders, offering a world-class alternative to Giroud and giving Wenger some added French flair up front.

West Brom Close In On Praet

Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Associated Press

Another name linked to the Emirates Stadium for some years now is that of Praet, the Anderlecht wonderkid said to be nearing a move to West Bromwich Albion.

The Telegraph claims Praet will be a Baggies player by the end of the month, mentioning that he once came close to an Arsenal transfer four summers ago.

Praet moved to Anderlecht from Genk in 2010 and has swiftly risen into their first-team ranks, making 134 appearances for the senior side already.

Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws gives an idea of how much Anderlecht are seeking for their starlet, who scored nine goals in 38 appearances across all competitions last season:

Its difficult to envision Arsenal forking out £11 million for a player who would struggle to earn his place in their first team, especially following Serge Gnabry's season-long loan move to none other than West Brom.

Belgian football expert John Chapman doesn't think Praet justifies such a fee, believing he needs to first become a more "dominant" figure in his current setting:

Praet has long been looked upon as one of the most promising creative prospects in European football, having made his senior Anderlecht debut at the age of 17 and earned his first Belgium cap last year.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder finally appears ready to make a switch to the Premier League, but speculation dictates it won't be Arsenal landing his signature.