Arsene Wenger Responds To Reports He’ll Table Huge Bid For Man Utd Target

With the summer transfer window finally open for business, managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads ahead of next season so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Arsene Wenger on his interest in Karim Benzema…

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has responded to reports suggesting he’s set to table a £40m bid for Manchester United target Karim Benzema, according to the Guardian.

The Gunners have long been linked with a move for the French international striker and the Express were one of several media outlets who reported on Friday morning that the North Londoners were set to test Real Madrid’s resolve with a formal £40m bid next week.

Wenger has been speaking at his press conference today ahead of Saturday’s Asia Trophy final against Everton and predictably he was quizzed on these reports by the assembled press.

The Arsenal boss responded by saying that while he’s not sure where the rumour came from, he hinted that he would be interested if Benzema came on the market. Wenger is quoted as saying by the Guardian:

“I don’t know where that story comes from, but that is not happening at the moment, I am happy with the squad we have. If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it.

“It depends what’s on the market. It is not easy, there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We don’t rule it out and [also] don’t guarantee we sign.

I think it’s safe to say that Wenger would be at the front of the queue if Madrid were willing to listen to offers for Benzema and rumours of a potential move have been growing steadily in recent weeks.

Spanish radio station COPE claimed earlier this month that Wenger has already personally phoned the striker to discuss a potential move to the Emirates and Goal.com believe that the Frenchman is prepared to bide his time until the final days of the transfer window to try and snap-up the former Lyon man.

There has been plenty of talk suggesting that new Madrid boss Rafa Benitez will play Cristiano Ronaldo through the middle with Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez out wide, and if that’s the case it would leave Benzema out in the cold.

Such a scenario wouldn’t go down well in the strikers camp so there is a chance the 27-year-old could push for a move in late August if he’s finding regular football hard to come by at that point.

However, Arsenal wouldn’t be the only one’s interested if Benzema came on the market as the Express reported last week that Manchester United are also keeping a close eye on his situation.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Louis van Gaal needs to bring in at least one striker this summer following Robin van Persie’s move to Fenerbache and Benzema is exactly the type of world class talent the Red Devils need to add if they are to become title challengers again.

It’s going to be fascinating to see how it all plays out but I personally think Benzema will end up staying at the Bernabeu – which would be a real shame as I’d love to see him here in the Premier League and he’d be a sensational signing for either Arsenal or United if they could pull it off.