Top target: Arsenal are chasing Karim Benzema (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal want to make Karim Benzema their highest earning player ever – if they can complete a £40million deal to sign him from Real Madrid.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has turned to compatriot Benzema after failing to lure Luis Suarez from Liverpool, with the north Londoners set for a dramatic finish to the transfer window.

Wenger wants at least three new signings to add to his squad before the deadline on September 2, and striker Benzema is the top target.

Arsenal are encouraged by his agent touting his availability around European clubs and it is understood that a £40million bid is set to go in any day.




If Madrid accept it, Wenger has already sanctioned a £140,000-a-week, four-year-deal for the 25-year-old, with the package set to make him Arsenal’s highest ever earner.

In demand: The Gunners are also keen on Angel Di Maria (Picture: Getty)

The transfer, although difficult to complete, would be notable and Arsenal hope to be able to lure his Madrid team-mate Angel Di Maria as part of a stunning double deal.

Benzema, currently locked in contract talks with Real, has become frustrated with life in Spain and would consider a switch, while Di Maria has already requested a transfer away.

Arsenal are yet to make contact with Real to do business, but chief negotiator Richard Law is currently in Spain to talk to Valencia over goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and he is expected to speak to Madrid over the weekend.

Elsewhere, Arsenal are expected to wrap up the signing of former player Mathieu Flamini shortly, with negotiations over a short-term deal at an advanced stage.

The 29-year-old is seen as ideal cover in midfield and defence, although his arrival is not expected to affect a push for Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye, for whose services Wenger is considering making a second bid.

Arsenal have at least £70million to spend on new players this summer.