Arsenal news

Here is Sunday’s news and rumours concerning Arsenal:

The Gunners have put £45.8m aside in their attempts to land Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to the Metro.

The Metro suggest that talks between the two clubs have been held regarding the Frenchman.

However, former club hero Paul Merson has claimed that it would be the signing of Sergio Busquets that is most likely to help Arsene Wenger’s side win the Premier League title, the Daily Star report.

Merson believes that the club are likely to come up short if they have just Francis Coquelin in the holding midfield position.

“Arsenal will not win the title with just Coquelin in the defensive midfield role,” he stated.

“They are talking about them putting in a bid for Busquets – that would be a massive signing,” he added.

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their hopes of landing Julian Draxler, after his manager at Schalke admitted that they may not be able to hold onto him, according to the Metro.

Juventus had been close to completing a move until Andre Breitenreiter stepped in, however that does not necessarily mean that the 21-year-old will be sticking around.

“I want to keep him 100% but I do not what will happen if we receive a brutal offer,” he said.

The Gunners could be about to complete the signing of France international Yoann Gourcuff, according to the Metro.

The midfielder is a free agent, having left Lyon at the end of last season.

Finally, Arsenal’s hopes of landing Napoli winger Jose Callejon have suffered a blow, after the Metro reported that Chelsea were set to make a £26m bid for the Spaniard.