Karim of the crop: Wenger eyes Real striker

 Bound for the Premier League?
Arsenal are set to launch a new bid for Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema in January, according to a report in The Sun.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is said to be confident of completing a £30 million deal for the front-man, who has come under fire in recent weeks as he endured a goal drought. But scoring against Australia in a friendly on Friday evening has evidently lifted his confidence, and Wenger believes he can be nurtured back to top form in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the same report suggest Wenger remains keen on signing Spain international Fernando Llorente on loan from Juventus when the transfer window re-opens.

Another striker to endure a torrid time of late is Robert Lewandowski. The Borussia Dortmund star struggled against England as Poland slumped to a 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat on Tuesday evening, but he is still in demand across Europe. Bayern Munich remain odds-on to sign him, the Daily Mail reports, while Premier League outfits Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are also eager to enter into negotiations with his agent. Lewandowski's contract concludes at the end of the season, and his stocks remain high despite a slight dip in form.

Finally, the Daily Mail claims Manchester United are lining up a January bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke. The middle of the park has been a point of much debate for United since David Moyes took charge, and the 21-year-old is thought of as the future Xavi by those in Spain. Koke was a target for Sir Alex Ferguson before he retired, and Moyes could finally secure his services in the New Year.
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