Arsenal Transfer News: Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski Dual Blow, Top Rumours

Real Madrid have poured scorn on Arsenal's hopes of signing striker targets Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski following reports Los Merengues want both players to lead their line this season.

As if Benzema's personal tweet last week wasn't enough to dissuade the notion of a Bernabeu exit, Los Blancos manager Rafa Benitez has opened up on his desire to see the forward remain, per Real's official Twitter account:

Benzema was absent through injury as Real drew their first match of the Liga campaign 0-0 at promoted Sporting Gijon, depicting just how important a member of their lineup the central attacker may be.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were both present in the stalemate, but as Eurosport's Pete Jenson succinctly summarises, Benzema provides an invaluable input to Benitez's front line:

Canal+ journalist Pierre Menes (via Metro and the Telegraph) this week revived speculation of a Benzema move to Arsenal, alleging the north Londoners have held secret meetings with the player's representatives.

However, Real Madrid sit among the upper echelon of immovable football powers that don't necessarily have to sell a player if they don't want to, and Benitez's quotes suggest Benzema is in the Spanish capital to stay.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

The Frenchman could find himself jostling for playing time up front this season, however, after Spanish outlet Fichajes.net reported Bayern Munich's Lewandowski is a target for Real, per Izzy Horsefield of the Daily Express.

However, convincing Lewandowski to leave the Allianz Arena may prove difficult for even Real after the Poland international outlined his intention to enjoy a successful season in Bavaria, per Bayern's official website (h/t the Daily Mail's Sunni Upal):

"

I don't believe the fans have already seen the best of me. I can, and will, be even better this season, I'm certain of that. 

It's not always easy of course as there are so many factors involved. It's vital we play well as a team. That's the most important thing.

It would be useless to me personally if I was to finish top scorer but we only come second in the Bundesliga and go out of the Champions League in the last sixteen.

"

Horsefield mentions Arsenal as another of the clubs interested in purchasing Lewandowski, but with Bayern coach Pep Guardiola short of alternatives up front, it's difficult to see the player moving.

Football journalist Rik Sharma outlined Lewandowski as one of the few strikers who could fill any Benzema-shaped hole at the Bernabeu if he were to make a last-gasp move this summer:

Lewandowski is certainly to be considered as the type of world-class presence the Gunners are said to be hopeful of adding up top as competition for the incumbent Olivier Giroud.

The 27-year-old moved to Bayern on a free transfer last summer before going on to hit 25 goals in 49 games across all campaigns, with Squawka attesting to his Bundesliga-topping form over the past two years:

Should Real's interest in Lewandowski prove genuine, it comes as a double blow for Gunners chief Arsene Wenger, who might still be hopeful of adding some venom to his side before Tuesday's deadline.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are looking to end the transfer window with not one but two of Europe's most sought-after forwards, in the hopes it will lead them back to silverware.