Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ‘ready to make secret striker transfer if Karim Benzema move fails’

Arsenal are reportedly ready to move for a mystery striker should their efforts to sign Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema fall through.

Arsene Wenger is understood to have already told Benzema’s agents that he wants to sign the Frenchman, and is gradually building up his efforts to clinch a deal ahead of transfer deadline day.

But according to Spanish journalist Kike Marin, the Arsenal manager has a ‘secret’ backup option should Benzema remain with Real Madrid.

The Gunners are only in the market for proven quality this summer, with many – including Olivier Giroud – feeling they are just a marquee striker away from seriously challenging for the Premier League title.

And it now appears that Wenger is heeding Giroud’s comments, with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Edin Dzeko and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

@Arsenal Slowly, but surely. Wenger will try to sign to Benzema. If can not, Arsène has a second option 🔝 #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/zRr8JYKa82
— Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) July 21, 2015

@Arsenal The second option is 🔝 secret… #Arsenal
— Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) July 21, 2015