Transfer Centre

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger: 'Karim Benzema deal not happening at the moment'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 17 July 2015

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that a rumoured £40m deal to sign Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is "not happening at the moment".

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied reports that the club are planning a £40m bid for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.

The 27-year-old is said to have been targeted by the Gunners as they aim to add attacking talent to their ranks for the new Premier League season.

However, during Arsenal's pre-season tour in Singapore, Wenger rubbished the reports and suggested that he would be content if the club did not make any other signings this summer.

"I don't know where [the Benzema] story comes from but that's not happening at the moment," Wenger told reporters in a press conference.

"We do not guarantee that we can sign someone and I'm happy with the squad that I have. If I find a player with an exceptional potential who can strengthen the squad then I will do it. It depends who is on the market.

"It's not easy at the moment because many clubs are out there to buy, and the number of players who can strengthen the big teams in Europe is very restricted."

Arsenal's only signing of the window so far is goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea.