Arsenal Transfer News: Karim Benzema, Viviano, Krul To Emirates? DiMaria, Guaita, Cabaye Also Linked To Wenger’s Side?
Thus far, Arsene Wenger’s hands have been tied during the transfer session, and there is no better example then the Arsenal boss’s pursuit of striker Karim Benzema.
With outrage surrounding the lack of moves from the Emirates side, Wenger still has his eyes set on a shock play for the Madrid francophone striker responsible for 56 goals over the last four years.
Unfortunately, it seems the only way Wenger can wrangle Benzema is if the Spanish giants can impossibly pry Luis Suarez from Liverpool, according to the Guardian. An apology to his teammates and Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has essentially locked up the Uruguayan striker, and made a switch from Merseyside all but impossible.
Wenger could shift his focus full-time to bring on Benzema’s current teammate, midfielder Angel Di Maria. A report from Spanish newspaper Marca suggests Los Blancos would like to fetch upwards of £34 million for Di Maria, who understands playing time might be limited at the Bernabeu with the sale of Tottenham’s Gareth Bale all but complete.
Benzema would be the ideal fit for a Gunners squad itching for a new, top-class striker, but Di Maria is no consolation prize. Several clubs, including Manchester United and Ligue 1’s Paris Saint-Germain are also interested. The 25-year-old Argentine has 90 appearances and 18 goals for Madrid since 2010, and has earned 40 caps and eight goals for his country.
Another way for Arsenal officials to go is the addition of a new keeper. It is clear Wenger is scouring all of Europe for some depth in the net, visiting Italy and Spain in the process. He tried to sew up Kiko Casilla from Espanyol, but with those efforts thwarted, Wenger is now chasing Palermo’s Emiliano Viviano, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Wenger is casting a wide net, and also reportedly made an offer to Valencia for Vicente Guaita, according to Metro. The club originally turned down a £ 4 million offer, but Arsenal are prepared to come back with a new bid of £7 million. Wenger reportedly sent “chief negotiator” Richard Law to ask the club to lower their valuation of £25 million.
Guaita has said he would like to leave, especially due to Valencia’s new keeper rotation. At 26, the Spanish native has spent his entire senior career at Valencia, other than a quick 30-match loan with Recreativo from 2009 to 2010.
Arsenal also aren’t opposed to dealing with other Premier League clubs, having approached Newcastle regarding goalkeeper Tim Krul, according to The Sun. Wenger is reportedly set to bid upwards of £10 million for the Dutch, who is just starting to make a name for himself with his national team, making five appearances with the senior squad since 2011.
That same report indicates Arsenal will increase their price for midfielder Yohan Cabaye to £ 17 million, almost £4 million more than his current market value. However its been reported before that Newcastle are seeking £20 million for Cabaye.
At this point the St. James Park side may take any offer for the Frenchman, who has refused to play twice in the last five days. According to The Independent, the 27-year-old is keen on pushing a move to Arsenal.
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