Arsenal Transfer News: Wenger after Real Madrid’s Benzema and Di Maria

In his search for a top quality striker, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has turned to Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema. According to the BBC, Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the French striker and is primed to make a £40 million bid for the 25-year-old.

The BBC also claims that Wenger is also considering Benzema's Madrid teammate Angel Di Maria. A price for the Argentine has not been mentioned.

Arsenal are in the market for a forward this summer having already unsuccessfully pursued Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez. With his options now limited, Wenger has turned to Benzema in an attempt to bolster his front line.

The France international transferred to Madrid for £30 million pounds in 2009. Considering he is the club's only recognised striker, it would be surprising if Madrid sell. Leaving aside playing Ronaldo as a centre forward, without Benzema the club would be left with only 20-year-old Alvaro Morata as a striker.

Wenger has been under high pressure recently to make signings. During the club's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, Arsenal fans angrily directed chants about spending money at Wenger.

Arsenal fans have witnessed the club repeatedly lose out on targets this summer. The Luis Suarez saga in particular left fans frustrated at the club's inability to sign their targets.

Wenger recently confirmed there is no chance Arsenal will sign the Uruguayan but assured fans other signings are on the way.

"Yes. Absolutely no chance of that," Wenger said about the Suarez transfer.

"The transfer market starts for me now and a lot of activity will happen between now and September 2," he added. "From August 21 until September 2 you have 12 days, so a lot will happen.

Wenger believes that most clubs will be drawn into frantic last minute dealings.

"It starts now and it is like a poker game," he continued. "People hold their cards as long as possible and see what is happening out there. In the end, they go for decisions."