Arsenal transfer news: Karim Benzema stance emerges with two deals ‘very advanced’

Arsenal have kept their powder dry in the January transfer window so far, with Mikel Arteta keeping his cards close to his chest.

The Gunners have struggled for results over the winter, winning just one of their last seven matches in all competitions since early December. That run of poor results does not appear to have stirred Arteta and sporting director Edu into immediate action, although there are still 11 days left in the mid-season window in which they can do business.

Many pundits have suggested that Arsenal need to bring in another striker if they are to sustain their challenge for the Premier League title against Liverpool and Manchester City. The problem is that there aren’t many quality goal-getters available at the moment.

However, the latest rumours have an intriguing possible solution to ponder, while the Gunners are moving to secure those already on the books. Read on to see the latest from the rumour mill.

Arsenal are giving some consideration to a shock deal for Karim Benzema, according to The Daily Mail. The former Real Madrid striker only joined Al-Ittihad in the summer but is already angling for a return to Europe – and that has caught the attention of some big clubs.

Benzema may be 36 years old and approaching the end of his career, but he has a serious CV which boasts 432 goals in 816 club appearances at Lyon, Real and Al-Ittihad. He has netted 12 in 20 games in Saudi Arabia and could follow Jordan Henderson in making a quick exit from the Middle East this month.

The Frenchman would only be a short-term solution for Arsenal. But with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggling for goals, the hierarchy may think he’s a worthwhile punt. It is certainly unlikely to happen.

Emile Smith Rowe has endured a