TRANSFER GOSSIP: Arsenal weigh up Benzema, Barca & Atletico enter Phillips race

As the January transfer window approaches its last week, Karim Benzema continues to be a man in demand.

The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner signed a three-year deal worth £258million with the Al-Ittihad in the summer, but despite scoring 15 goals in 24 games rumours over his future have swirled from the moment he landed in the Middle East.

The former Real Madrid striker was linked with Manchester United and Chelsea earlier this week, but the Gunners have now seemingly entered the chase as Mikel Arteta looks to address his team's issues in front of goal.

Elsewhere, the saga over Kalvin Phillips' future drags on.  The England international has found first team opportunities hard to come by since joining from Leeds for £45million last summer, making just 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

Newcastle have reportedly called off their pursuit of Phillips due to City demanding a £7million loan fee, but that hasn't put off Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

West Ham, Everton and Juventus, meanwhile, are all interested but are waiting for City to lower their demands.

Below, Mail Sport takes a look at the transfer rumours on Thursday morning.

Arsenal are weighing a potential loan deal for Karim Benzema, as Mikel Arteta looks to address his team's lack of attacking options. The former Real Madrid star joined Al-Ittihad in the summer but has since been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea. (TeamTalk)

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who looks set to leave the Etihad this month. The England international has also attracted interest from Juventus and several other clubs. (The Telegraph)

Crystal Palace, Newcastle and West Ham are among the clubs waiting for Manchester