Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Karim Benzema and Sam Byram Rumours

Karim Benzema was reportedly keen on making a move to Arsenal during the previous summer window, with suggestions emerging that he was pressing manager Arsene Wenger about a transfer.

That’s according to Kike Marin of El Confidencial (h/t Sport Witness), who writes the striker "spent the summer flirting with Wenger to go to Arsenal."

In addition, Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Metro) claims a deal could still be on the cards if the Gunners stump up big money. Metro states Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is keen on keeping the French international forward but could be tempted by a “significant offer.”

Here’s a look at why Arsenal may be willing to shell out big money to bring the 27-year-old to the Emirates Stadium:

There’s no denying Benzema would be an upgrade on what the Gunners currently have. Manager Arsene Wenger seems torn on which player to choose at the point of the attack, opting occasionally for the raw pace of Theo Walcott and sometimes for the rounded, less dynamic influence of Olivier Giroud. Benzema would combine the best qualities of both.

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As noted by BBC’s Mark Pougatch, the centre-forward role is one of two major points of concern when running the rule over this Arsenal squad:

Despite these reports, getting Benzema in remains a fanciful prospect. The forward is Real Madrid’s only orthodox centre-forward, and he dovetails superbly with the rest of the team’s attacking talent—most notably with Cristiano Ronaldo. Letting him go would be a major faux pas on the part of manager Rafael Benitez after a strong start to his tenure.

Benzema has been showing Arsenal what they’re missing with a confident start to the campaign, per WhoScored.com:

Despite the reports, the player himself seems settled in the Spanish capital, as was evident with the Twitter post he made late in the 2015 summer transfer window, insisting he’d be going nowhere. Indeed, you suspect it’d take an offer that surpasses the “significant” bracket if the Gunners were to even tempt Real Madrid into selling.

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Arsenal do need reinforcements in this area of the field if they’re to challenge for major honours, and Wenger will surely move for a quality option in the mid-season window. The club’s supporters will be hoping the team still has a lot to play for by the time January does roll around. 

Sam Byram Rejects Leeds Contract

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Leeds United’s promising young full-back Sam Byram has rejected a new contract offer at the club in a big boost for a host of Premier League teams linked with the youngster.

According to Bruce Archer of the Daily Express, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool have shown an interest in the 22-year-old, who has been impressive at Elland Road. But his future seems to be in doubt after the club’s colourful owner Massimo Cellino told Sky Sports News HQ that Byram had rejected the chance of an extension.

The Italian had some harsh words for the prodigious youngster, suggesting he may be getting a little too big for his boots:

"

Sam Byram is the only one that maybe thinks Leeds is too small for him.

He maybe thinks he deserves to be in a bigger team and a bigger club, and maybe he's right. But when I hear that a player from Leeds, with his agent, that he thinks that Leeds is not big enough for him, that he wants something bigger, I felt really embarrassed.

He didn't sign the new contract and he won't sign it anymore. He's been offered a contract a few times, he didn't want to sign and I am deeply offended.

"

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Byram has been at Leeds his entire career, making his senior debut for the club in 2012. Since then, he’s forged a reputation as one of the most promising players in the second tier with his composed displays at right-back and on the right wing for the Yorkshire club.

As noted by sports writer Simon O’Rourke, according to Opta, Byram has been Leeds’ most creative player this season, operating mainly on the right of midfield:

"

Interesting stat via Opta.. Most chances created this season by a #LUFC player: Sam Byram (16 key passes).

— Simon O'Rourke (@simon_orourke) September 21, 2015"

Still, Byram’s at his best as a right-back, and if he was to move on, he would surely want to nail down a spot in that position with his new club. Arsenal already have plenty of right-back options in Hector Bellerin, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, meaning a move to the Emirates Stadium may not be the best career choice for the Leeds man.

Both Everton and Liverpool are without great cover in the right-back slot, making the two Merseyside clubs a more likely destination. With his current contract set to expire next summer, Byram would also represent tremendous value for money for any potential suitors.