Arsenal transfer news round up: Benzema Arsenal done TODAY in £53m double swoop, Chelsea bid rejected & more

All the latest Arsenal transfer news here.

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Today’s round up of Arsenal transfer news and gossip from around the web…

Benzema Arsenal deal to be done today

Benzema Arsenal looks a done deal as trusted Italian journalist claims a move could be finalised today, with the French international already picking a squad number for his transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Read more: Arsenal to complete £46m Benzema deal tomorrow, shirt number revealed as Real Madrid

Arsenal also eyeing Barcelona starlet

Benzema Arsenal is just one half of a superb double raid on La Liga for the Gunners, who also want £8.4m-rated Barcelona youngster Sergi Samper in midfield.

Read more: Arsenal transfers: Gunners ‘ready to HIJACK Man Utd move for Barcelona star’, release clause met

Lacazette signs new Lyon contract

Bad news here, as the Daily Mirror claim Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette has agreed to sign a one-year extension to his contract in Ligue 1, ruling out a summer switch to the Gunners.

Chelsea bid rejected for Arsenal target

There’s a possible boost for Arsenal here as the Guardian claim Chelsea have failed in a bid to sign Augsburg left-back and former Gunners target Baba Rahman.

Southampton lead chase for Arsenal target

Finally, Southampton are leading the chase to sign long-term Arsenal target Virgil van Dijk from Celtic, with Everton also monitoring his situation in case John Stones leaves Goodison Park.