Arsenal Transfer News: Edinson Cavani Bid Planned as Karim Benzema Rumours Fade

Arsenal are seemingly switching their attention to Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani as rumours surrounding Karim Benzema's switch to north London have begun to die down.

According to Fichajes.net (via Metro's Will Giles) "Arsenal are now considering a move for PSG forward Cavani, and could table a bid for the Uruguayan in a matter of days."

Per Stefan Coerts of Goal.com, following the Gunners' defeat to West Ham United on the opening day of the season, boss Arsene Wenger called for calm regarding their lack of transfer activity, stating his intention to "look inside and not accept a miracle from outside."

However, Arsenal's lack of recruitment in terms of outfield players, a striker in particular, is a legitimate source of concern if the Gunners are to challenge for the Premier League title.

The often underrated Olivier Giroud is a fine player, but the north London outfit are unlikely to rival the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City with the Frenchman and Alexis Sanchez sharing the bulk of the goalscoring workload.

Benzema would be an excellent addition in that capacity, but Cavani is also a prolific alternative.

The Uruguayan was at his clinical best last season, as Opta Jean reveals:

His tally is even more impressive when taken in context, as the centre-forward was often deployed out wide to make way for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

As French football expert Matt Spiro demonstrates, the pair have not always enjoyed a positive working relationship:

At Arsenal, the 28-year-old would be the main star up front, and so a move away from Paris may be tempting for Cavani.

Though he wouldn't be able to join in with Arsenal's intricate buildup play the way Benzema could, he would be free to do what he does best—take chances with ruthless efficiency.

According to Squawka, the Gunners created 470 goalscoring chances in the Premier League last season—second only to Man City.

With plenty of chances falling to Cavani in his favoured central role, the Uruguayan would likely thrive at the Emirates.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, the striker appears to have put his earlier problems at PSG to bed.

According to Le10Sport (translation courtesy of Pradhan Muthanna of the International Business Times), Cavani said in June:

"

All these things that are said, we should remember the subject and when I mentioned it.  I did not mention the city of Paris, club, organisation.

What I said is that I used to play in the centre and it cost me to go to one side, which is normal. When you are used to performing a task, it is not obvious to switch to another.

Everything related to my private life, family, I'm happy. I feel very happy in Paris. I hope I can make it. I will give everything for them. This year is completed. It motivates me more. I am very happy there and we hope everything will continue as well.

"

His comments indicate that he is prepared to stay in Paris for the foreseeable future.

If the Gunners go all out to secure the forward's signature they may yet sway him with promises of being the main man at Arsenal.

However, based on Wenger's reticence to splash out on a marquee forward this summer, it seems as though another season of being so near yet so far awaits the Gunners.