Arsenal manager says he is prepared to spend on an "exceptional" player following speculation linking him with Real Madrid star
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Karim Benzema Photo: Getty Images
The current likelihood is of Arsenal starting next season without any further senior additions beyond Petr Cech but Wenger does still have the budget for another major signing.
Centre-forward has not been his priority – he has predominantly scouted central midfield and central defence – but that could change if Danny Welbeck’s knee injury persists or Theo Walcott does not reach agreement on a new contract.
“I’m happy with the squad we have,” said Wenger today. “If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it. It depends what’s on the market. It’s not easy, there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We don’t rule it out and don’t guarantee we sign."
Asked specifically about Real Madrid's Benzema, a player he has long admired, Wenger said: “I don’t know where that comes from but it’s not happening at the moment, no.”
Wenger also confirmed that Hector Bellerin would be rewarded for his breakthrough season last year with a new contract.
“He’s one of the players who has emerged and had a very good season," said Wenger. "Bellerin and Francis Coquelin were the two not necessarily planned last season to come out. They have to confirm it this season. It’s not always easy but he is a focused player and I’m confident he will have another good season.”
Arsenal will play Everton tomorrow in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy, with Wenger intending to play those who did not feature in Wednesday’s 4-0 win against a Singapore Select XI.
That will mean Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud all playing their first matches of pre-season.
A Karim Benzema deal has not been ruled out by Arsene Wenger
Wenger also confirmed that Yaya Sanogo would be loaned out to Ajax where he will work with Marc Overmas and Dennis Bergkamp.
“We have a good relationship with them and he is at the age where he needs to play,” said Wenger.
Wenger also confirmed that Hector Bellerin would be rewarded for his breakthrough season last year with a new contract.
“He’s one of the players who has emerged and had a very good season," said Wenger. "Bellerin and Francis Coquelin were the two not necessarily planned last season to come out. They have to confirm it this season. It’s not always easy but he is a focused player and I’m confident he will have another good season.”
Arsenal will play Everton tomorrow in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy, with Wenger intending to play those who did not feature in Wednesday’s 4-0 win against a Singapore Select XI.
That will mean Cech, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud all playing their first matches of pre-season.
A Karim Benzema deal has not been ruled out by Arsene Wenger
Wenger also confirmed that Yaya Sanogo would be loaned out to Ajax where he will work with Marc Overmas and Dennis Bergkamp.
“We have a good relationship with them and he is at the age where he needs to play,” said Wenger.
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