Arsenal Transfer News: Benzema deal on, Cavani swoop, Germany international interest

Arsenal are lining up a deadline day swoop for Edinson Cavani, according to reports

NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest transfer news from the Emirates.

 

Arsenal are edging closer to a deal for Karim Benzema after reports emerged that the Real striker is ready for a move to the Emirates.

The Gunners are yet to make a formal offer but could make a £50million bid within the next 48 hours, according to the Daily Star - and have also reportedly charted a private jet to bring the Frenchman over to England.

A source close to Benzema said: "It’s up to Arsenal to fight for Karim with a big offer. Then he could be their player in this window.”

 

Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender

Arsene Wenger will have to move quick to secure the Frenchman as Manchester United are still on the lookout for a world-class striker and have been linked with the forward this summer.

Arsenal will make a late swoop for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani before the transfer window closes, according to the Sun on Sunday.

The Uruguayan has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer and the PSG forward could be the striker the Frenchman is ready to "gamble" on.

"There is always time to take a gamble and we are not against taking a gamble," said the manager.

 

"But what you want is to take a gamble in a market where the opportunity is there."

The Gunners are also stepping up their interest to sign Germany international Lars Bender.

Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the 26-year-old and sent scouts to watch him play in Bayer Leverkusen's 1-0 midweek defeat at Lazio in the Champions League qualifying playoffs, according to the Mirror.

 

Wenger is expected to make a late £18million move for the German as he feels the pressure to splash the cash and keep up with the likes of Chelsea, United and Liverpool.

Wenger said: “Of course, there is pressure to keep up with them. All of them have spent more money – although only one can win the title.

“You have to keep your nerve and not buy just because others buy, but because you have found a player who can really give you a plus.”