Martin Keown: 'Arsene Wenger will keep transfer activity quiet'

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has suggested that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is unlikely to reveal who his transfer targets are.

The North Londoners have been linked with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema this summer, although Wenger has moved to play down those reports.

However, Keown has claimed that the Frenchman will not make public his interest in Benzema, or any other player, until a deal has been done.

"The last time [Arsenal] lost on the opening day was against Aston Villa in 2013. Two weeks later Arsene Wenger spent £40m on Mesut Ozil, a signing that really galvanised the club and the fans," Keown told the Daily Mail.

"After West Ham there is renewed desire for Wenger to spend big but he will know if there is a player who can improve his team.

"The difference is he doesn't like to shout about it from the rooftops. It's hardly a vote of confidence in your current players if you start talking up others you'd like to buy."

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by West Ham United in their Premier League opener on Sunday.