Arsenal ready to play waiting game over Karim Benzema

Arsenal are ready to play the waiting game with Real Madrid in the hope they can sign striker Karim Benzema late on in the transfer window, according to reports.

Souces says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has identified the Frenchman as his top transfer target this summer as the FA Cup holders look to launch a title bid and compete with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea for the Premier League trophy.

The north London side have been linked with Benzema for a while but have yet to make their move officially. The website said Wenger, who is leading his side of a pre-season tour in Singapore this week, has let other targets go by this summer as he waits to make his move.

Benzema is believed to be happy in the Spanish capital and is a firm favourite of president Florentino Perez, but reports in Spain suggest new boss Rafa Benitez could tinker with the formation and move Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to more central positions. Should that happen, Benzema could look to leave and establish himself as a first choice elsewhere.

The Frenchman joined Real from Lyon for 30 million euros in 2009 and has played a key role in helping the team lift La Liga, the Champions League, Copa del Rey, European Super Cup and World Club Cup in his time in Spain.