Arsenal transfer news: Benzema stance emerges with two deals ‘very advanced’

Arsenal have kept their powder dry in the January transfer window so far, with Mikel Arteta keeping his cards close to his chest.

The Gunners have struggled for results over the winter, winning just one of their last seven matches in all competitions since early December. That run of poor results does not appear to have stirred Arteta and sporting director Edu into immediate action, although there are still 11 days left in the mid-season window in which they can do business.

Many pundits have suggested that Arsenal need to bring in another striker if they are to sustain their challenge for the Premier League title against Liverpool and Manchester City. The problem is that there aren’t many quality goal-getters available at the moment.

However, the latest rumours have an intriguing possible solution to ponder, while the Gunners are moving to secure those already on the books. Read on to see the latest from the rumour mill.

Benzema being considered

Arsenal are giving some consideration to a shock deal for Karim Benzema, according to The Daily Mail. The former Real Madrid striker only joined Al-Ittihad in the summer but is already angling for a return to Europe – and that has caught the attention of some big clubs.

Benzema may be 36 years old and approaching the end of his career, but he has a serious CV which boasts 432 goals in 816 club appearances at Lyon, Real and Al-Ittihad. He has netted 12 in 20 games in Saudi Arabia and could follow Jordan Henderson in making a quick exit from the Middle East this month.

The Frenchman would only be a short-term solution for Arsenal. But with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggling for goals, the hierarchy may think he’s a worthwhile punt. It is certainly unlikely to happen.

Smith Rowe to stay put

Emile Smith Rowe has endured a difficult time at Arsenal of late. He’s made 12 appearances across all competitions, but just one of those has come as a starter. The 23-year-old is still finding his feet after a long injury lay-off, yet his situation has attracted the vultures.

He’s previously been linked with Chelsea and Newcastle and now reports have suggested West Ham are circling. It’s been suggested that David Moyes ’ side are attempting to get him on loan until the end of the season, promising the kind of dream spell that Jesse Lingard enjoyed in 2021.

Mirror Football understands that the reports are wide of the mark and Smith Rowe would not be interested in any case. He is determined to stay and fight for his place in Arteta’s side.

Two contract extensions close

Arsenal haven’t signed any new players, but they may be about to sign up two of their current players to longer deals. William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have all signed new contracts over the last 12 months and now Fabrizio Romano reports that negotiations to extend Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s deals are ‘very advanced’.

The Gunners are reportedly keen to tie down the defenders and Arteta considers it a ‘priority’. White and Tomiyasu have both emerged as key players for Arsenal over the past few seasons. White’s current contract runs until June 2026, while Tomiyasu’s will expire in June 2025.