Arsenal Transfer News: Elite Signings Wanted by Arsene Wenger in Latest Rumours

After West Ham United brought optimistic Arsenal fans crashing back down to earth in Week 1 of the Premier League, all eyes have turned to manager Arsene Wenger and his dealings in the transfer window.

While the Gunners undoubtedly have one of the most talented squads in the business, the 2-0 defeat to the Hammers proved they’re still not quite the finished article.

And as only Petr Cech has walked through the Emirates doors, north London could well be a hive of activity over the coming weeks. Here’s an update on the club’s latest rumoured targets.

Grzegorz Krychowiak

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One of the names doing the rounds in the Gunners rumour mill is that of Sevilla midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, who had been linked with plugging the holding midfield void in Wenger’s squad.

According to Fichajes.net, via Jamie Sanderson of Metro, Arsenal were set to pay the Polish international’s £21.4 million release clause and bring him to the Emirates, but new developments suggest otherwise.

Wenger was directly asked the question as to whether he’s interested in landing Krychowiak, to which he replied “no”—as Eurosport reports.

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While you have to take everything the Frenchman says regarding the transfer window with a pinch of salt, the news comes as a big blow to the Gunners.

Arsenal have been crying out for a solid defensive midfielder for many a season now, and although the emergence of Francis Coquelin will bring encouragement, he can’t fly the anchoring flag alone.

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Krychowiak is a solid midfielder who can easily slot in at centre-back, too—and that versatility is exactly what Wenger is after.

Journalist Graham Hunter also agrees, saying the Polish star fits Arsenal’s bill, but he was quick to express that landing him will be difficult—per Sky Sports:

"

If Arsenal decide that this fierce, tough-tackling, clever, goal-scoring central-midfielder - who meets the criteria of what critics of Wenger have been saying Arsenal have needed for three four or five seasons—then yes, he would suit them. He’s the right player, but late timing coupled with a Sevilla side who are cash rich [could see him stay].

"

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Still, with a release clause in place, Wenger can choose to go all out and lay his cards on the table. It’s up to the manager as to whether or not it’s worth it.

Karim Benzema…Again

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Here we go again, then: all aboard the Karim Benzema merry-go-round.

Rumours of the Real Madrid front man heading to the Emirates have been nothing short of torrential this summer, but a conclusion is on the horizon. Wait, wasn’t that true in June?

Well, according to journalist Emanuele Giulianelli, Arsenal have launched a £45 million bid for Benzema:

Giulianelli states that Madrid will consider whether the bid is enough to let their striker go, while the man himself wants to discuss terms with Wenger.

The trouble is that the saga is turning into a bit of a farce. It’s almost a case of the boy who cried Benzema—if he does sign, no-one will actually believe it.

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Still, it would undoubtedly be a huge coup for Arsenal if they could bring the Frenchman in, and former midfielder Ray Parlour thinks so, too—via Sky Sports:

"

(Karim) Benzema has been well linked and if they could get a proven goalscorer like that then it would be fantastic. They can afford to get him and start competing in the transfer market whereas before they couldn't because of the stadium. He (Wenger) has proved in the past few years he will go and get those big players and Benzema would undoubtedly strengthen their side.

"

Arsenal need an out-and-out goalscorer to lead the line—someone who can finish off the flowing moves dictated by the club’s flair players.

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Benzema certainly has the talent to be that man, but it’s all just a case of whether Wenger fancies dipping his hand in his pocket or not.

Optimism at the Emirates is the highest it’s been for many a campaign, but unless the club can fill several niggling holes in their setup, the season threatens to peter out into nothingness.

Both Benzema and Krychowiak would do nothing but strengthen the Gunners, but are they worth parting with upwards of £65 million for? The ball is very much in Wenger’s court.