Arsenal Transfer News: Fresh Karim Benzema Rumours, Arsene Wenger Ponders Gamble

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema would "seriously consider" a transfer to Arsenal.

That's according to Harry Pratt of the Daily Star, who cites "a source close to the Bernabeu." Pratt's source added: "It’s up to Arsenal to fight for Karim with a big offer. Then he could be their player in this window."

Meanwhile, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has fuelled further speculation with his comments in Sunday's newspapers.

According to Metro's Sean Kearns, he said: 

"

Of course, there’s pressure to keep up with them [Arsenal’s rivals.] 

All of them have spent more money but only one can win the title.

There is always time to take a gamble and we are not against taking a gamble, but what you want is to take a gamble in a market where the opportunity is there.

It’s not just the consequence of the money they spend in how successful you are, that is why you have to keep your nerve and not buy just because the others buy. You should buy because you have found a player that can really give you a plus.

"

Though a striker as proven as Benzema would hardly be considered a gamble, Wenger's comments indicate the Gunners may yet do some more recruitment before the window closes.

Certainly, the Frenchman is a player who could really give Arsenal "a plus."

Michael Regan/Getty Images

While the Gunners boast some impressive forward options in Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, Benzema is a more prolific goalscorer who could shine as a centre-forward at the Emirates.

As WhoScored.com illustrates, the 27-year-old is not only capable of racking up an impressive goal tally but also creates plenty of opportunities for his team-mates:

With his clinical finishing and ability to effectively engage in intricate build-up play in the final third, Benzema is tailor-made to slip straight into the Gunners' squad and fire them towards the Premier League title.

However, the France international's future has been the cause of much debate, not only among fans but among journalists and those involved in the game as well.

FourFourTwo's Emanuele Giulianelli is confident Arsenal will land the striker:

However, football agent Muzzi Ozcan has dismissed the reports linking Benzema with a switch to north London:

"

Arsenal fans ! Please don't believe these nonsense reports about Benzema ! He won't be coming !

— Muzzi Ozcan (@Muzziozcan) August 22, 2015"

With so many pundits weighing in on both sides, it's difficult to know who to believe when it comes to Benzema's future.

What is certain is that the rumours will continue to swirl unabated for the remainder of the transfer window.

The Gunners need another player of Benzema's calibre in order to have a realistic chance of competing with Manchester City and Chelsea in the title race. If Wenger isn't prepared to gamble on a big-money move for the striker, he'll need a significant ace up his sleeve.