Arsene Wenger responds to Arturo Vidal, Karim Benzema rumours

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has played down the possibility of summer moves for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

Speculation is rife that Wenger, whose team finished third, has earmarked the duo as ideal players to help bridge the 13-point gap to Premier League champions Chelsea next term.

Asked by reporters about his thoughts on Vidal, the Frenchman said: "If I tell you I like him, you will announce the transfer just after that.

"If you want me to say I like Arturo Vidal, yes I like Arturo Vidal. Are we in a transfer mode? I say, no."

He added of Benzema: "You can suspect that at the moment I am not in a transfer mode."

Vidal, 28, is thought to be friends with Gunners ace and fellow Chilean Alexis Sanchez, while Wenger is said to be a long-time admirer of 27-year-old Benzema.