Karim Benzema to Arsenal: 'The funds are there,' says Arsene Wenger

£48m Benzema has been linked with Arsenal move all summer

Karim Benzema in action for Real Madrid (Getty)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that the "funds are there" for one more big signing, such as Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, before the transfer window closes, but Wenger did admit that he is "not close" to signing anyone.

The France striker Benzema has been strongly linked with a reported £48m move to the Emirates this summer.

When asked about any new arrivals before the window closes on 1 September, Wenger said today:

"When the season starts the window should be finished.

"Simple as that. It is too big an advantage for clubs that didn’t work well during the transfer window.

"The funds are there, people know that you have the resources, but the players are not available.

"We expect, like you, but at the moment, we are not close."

The Gunners face Liverpool on Monday, aiming to make it two wins on the bounce. Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park last weekend.

On the injury front, Wenger said:

"We have nobody back from the players who did not play against Crystal Palace. All of the players who were available at Crystal Palace should be available on Monday night."

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