Karim Benzema to Arsenal: Arsene Wenger bemoans 'shortage' of available top strikers

Real Madrid forward Benzema continues to be linked with a switch to the Emirates

Simon Rice
Saturday 22 August 2015 12:33 BST
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Karim Benzema during Real Madrid's pre-season win over Manchester City
Karim Benzema during Real Madrid's pre-season win over Manchester City (GETTY IMAGES)

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Arsene Wenger has bemoaned the difficulty of signing top-quality strikers this summer amid ongoing rumours linking Karim Benzema to Arsenal.

The Gunners have failed to make any major outfield signings this summer, with Petr Cech the only significant arrival.

Whilst Arsenal appear blessed in certain areas, striker Olivier Giroud looks short on competition.

Wenger has held an interest in Real Madrid striker Benzema for some time, but despite all the talk, there appears little chance the France international will be allowed to leave the Bernabeu.

It was an issue Wenger touched on yesterday when asked about the top striker's in the world, even if he didn't name-check Benzema specifically.

“There is a shortage in the world,” said the Arsenal manager.

“And there is a difference between financial power and the availability of top class players.

“When players are not free you cannot buy because it is the club who owns the contract that decides. Today in Europe you have maybe 15 clubs with huge financial resources and they don’t need money at all."

Despite the failure to make many waves in the transfer market and admitting he is open to bringing in new players before the window closes, Wenger is satisfied he has the squad to compete.

“It hasn’t been a frustrating window for me because I’m always more focused on developing the team and the players we have inside the club,” he said.

“I’m not against buying when it is really a plus for the team.

“If it is just buying players at the level of the players you have I am not ready for that. But in every position we have strong players.”

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