Arsenal news and gossip

Here is Monday’s news and gossip concerning Arsenal:

According to the Daily Star, a Real Madrid insider claims that Karim Benzema is open to an Arsenal move, but it is up to the Gunners to make a bid if they want to land the 27-year-old.

“It’s up to Arsenal to fight for Karim with a big offer,” the insider suggested.

Ahead of the two sides’ clash tonight, Arsene Wenger has admitted that he’s surprised that Liverpool decided to sell Raheem Sterling this summer, and didn’t feel that the 20-year-old was being the disruptive force that he was accused of being at times, according to the Daily Express.

“During the season the boy was quiet, never made any stupid statement. He’s a quality player,” Wenger stated.

Goalkeeping legend Ray Clemence has backed Petr Cech to bounce back after a difficult start to his Arsenal career, the Daily Express report.

The former Chelsea man was at fault for both of West Ham’s goals on the opening day, but Clemence believes he will turn it around.

“Goalkeepers always got better with age and I think that is still the case. What is he, 33? Quality does not leave you. I don’t see any reason why Petr should not continue to be one of the game’s top keepers for years to come,” he said.

Reported Arsenal target Virgil van Dijk appears to be on his way to the Premier League, but not with the Gunners, the Daily Star claim.

The Celtic defender has apparently agreed a £10m move to Southampton.

Finally, Hector Bellerin has cemented his place as Arsenal’s fastest player after once again beating Theo Walcott in the annual 40m sprint, the Daily Mirror report.