Transfer News: Arsenal targets Edinson Cavani as replacement for Karim Benzema

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani is once again under the radars of Arsenal after talks of acquiring Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema cooled off. Arsenal has been desperately trying to strengthen its squad in the next couple of weeks, but with Real insisting Benzema will stay at Bernabeu, the Gunners decided to pursue Cavani as an alternative.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has developed interest in Cavani after Real coach Rafa Benitez hinted his side will keep Benzema. According to The Week, Arsenal are willing to pay £35.5 million (AU$75.5 million) to secure the signing of the Uruguayan international. The amount is less than the £10 million (AU$21.3 million) bid the Gunners prepared to pay the Benzema.

Cavani has been reportedly unsettled at Parc des Princes for several months with his rocky relationship with PSG boss Laurent Blanc, reports Metro. The report suggested the PSG striker could grab the chance to play for the English Club, although no deal has been offered yet.

Benzema, on the other hand, has been heavily linked with Arsenal, but Benitez has signaled that any new arrival will be partnered or provided as alternative for the Frenchman instead of replacing him, reports Sky Sports.

"Benzema is a great player. And one of my ideas this year is that he exceeds the barrier of 20-25 goals,” Benitez said.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have also been trying to acquire Juventus frontman Fernando Llorente, who has been linked with most of the top clubs in Europe. Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic’s arrival at Juve alerted the Spanish international to move out of and opened discussions to any available offer. According to Caughtoffside, Llorente has also drawn interest from Tottenham Hotspur, suggesting an offer around £8.5 million (AU$8.5 million) from the North London rivals would be enough to lure the 30-year-old Llorente away from Juve.

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