Karim Benzema to Arsenal: 'The funds are there,' says Arsene Wenger

£48m Benzema has been linked with Arsenal move all summer

Friday 21 August 2015 11:48 BST

Karim Benzema in action for Real Madrid (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that the "funds are there" for one more big signing, such as Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, before the transfer window closes, but Wenger did admit that he is "not close" to signing anyone.

The France striker Benzema has been strongly linked with a reported £48m move to the Emirates this summer.

When asked about any new arrivals before the window closes on 1 September, Wenger said today:

"When the season starts the window should be finished.

"Simple as that. It is too big an advantage for clubs that didn’t work well during the transfer window.

"The funds are there, people know that you have the resources, but the players are not available.

"We expect, like you, but at the moment, we are not close."

The Gunners face Liverpool on Monday, aiming to make it two wins on the bounce. Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park last weekend.

On the injury front, Wenger said:

"We have nobody back from the players who did not play against Crystal Palace. All of the players who were available at Crystal Palace should be available on Monday night."

The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...

iPhone
http://ind.pn/iphonefootball

iPad
http://ind.pn/ipadfootball

Android