Arsene Wenger ‘not in transfer mode’ as Arsenal boss plays down link to £40m Real Madrid star

Arsene Wenger has denied reports linking Arsenal with a move for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

The striker, rated at around £40million, has been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital this summer and clubs have been placed on red alert.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the France international, who has scored 22 goals in all competitions this season.

However, Wenger has now revealed that the Gunners are not close to a move for Benzema as they have not yet begun working on any deals.

"You can suspect that at the moment but I am not in a transfer mode," said Wenger.

"We will deal with the transfers after the FA Cup final. That [a deal for Benzema] is all suspicion, nobody knows what's true or not."