Arsenal could sign Karim Benzema from Real Madrid if Arsene Wenger's side offer club record £45m transfer fee for striker

Real Madrid could be persuaded to part company with Karim Benzema, but Arsenal will need to break their transfer record and bid at least £45million for the Frenchman.

The Gunners prised Mesut Ozil out of the Bernabeu two years ago for £42.5m but will need to dig even deeper if they are to secure Benzema’s services this summer.

There is still a lot of ground to be covered before the striker can be ushered out of Real Madrid - the way Ozil was in 2013 - but with both Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo becoming strikers that find themselves playing increasing through the middle there is a feeling that Benzema is expendable.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer

Arsene Wenger has played down rumours linking the north London club to the Frenchman this summer

There was a telling moment in Rafa Benitez’ press conference on Tuesday after Real Madrid had beaten Tottenham. MailSport’s Mike Keegan asked the coach about the rumours linking Benzema with Arsenal and he replied: ‘Hopefully everyone will continue here and we can win the league.’

‘Hopefully?’ Surely Benitez should be able to more or less guarantee the continuity of one of the club’s prized assets. The reason he can’t is that for as much as he sees the Frenchman as integral to the way Real play, that view is not necessarily shared by the men who will make the decisions.

Benitez sees in Benzema a player who can play selflessly with his back to go as the likes of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez coming pouring forward onto his clever flicks and inspired lay-offs.

Florentino Perez is more interested in Gareth Bale being successful which is why the former Tottenham striker has moved into a more central role – one that he admitted at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday after scoring against Tottenham - that he favours and feels is ‘his’ position.

The Gunners prised Mesut Ozil out of the Bernabeu two years ago for £42.5m but will need to dig even deeper

As things stand Benzema will start the season at centre-forward with Ronaldo on the left, Bale at number 10 and James Rodriguez on the right.

If Benzema was out of the picture Real would shape up in more of a 4-4-2 system with Bale and Ronaldo unleashed as a front two with complete freedom. Behind them Rodriguez would play in a midfield quartet that would include Isco, who is a fans’ favourite but currently can’t get in the team, and Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

The club would also make another signing. There is always a thirst for new faces at the Bernabeu and with money not as readily available this year as in previous years so far David De Gea looks like being the only possible big-name new recruit. 

If Arsenal were to pay over £40m for Benzema, Madrid would consider a move for Marco Reus (right) 

But if Arsenal were to pay over £40m for Benzema that would free up funds for a possible bid for another signing – Marcos Reus is one who has admirers inside the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid’s season does not start until August 23 and if an Arsenal move for Benzema gave them time to bring in a big name new signing - something that supporters would demand if they lost the Frenchman - the two clubs could do business.

Wenger has spoken of taking ‘advantage of opportunities’. With three weeks left of the transfer window this is one that could still arise.

Angel di Maria transfer confirmed by PSG as Manchester United flop finally completes £44m move

Angel di Maria is welcomed to Paris Saint-Germain in French on the club's Twitter page on Thursday 

Angel di Maria has finally been confirmed as a Paris Saint-Germain player after the French giants bid the the Argentine winger 'bienvenido' (welcome) on their official Twitter account.

Di Maria had already told of his joy at joining the Ligue 1 champions and has spoken of his desire to go all the way in the Champions League after a tumultuous year with Manchester United.  

The Argentinian completed what has been a drawn-out £44.3million move from Old Trafford and is set to be unveiled at a press conference at 5.30pm on Thursday.

Di Maria speaks with the doctor as his health status is confirmed ahead of his £44.3m transfer 

On Thursday afternoon, United announced Di Maria had completed his move to the French champions.

United tweeted: '#mufc can confirm the sale of Angel Di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain is complete. We wish him well for the future.' 

Di Maria, who has been handed the No 11 shirt, is the latest in a long line of South American signings made by PSG since their takeover by a group of wealthy Qataris four years ago. 

The five-time French champions have now signed David Luiz, Lucas Moura, Javier Pastore, Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva as they look to make PSG genuine contenders for the Champions League.

'We are very proud that Angel di Maria has chosen Paris Saint-Germain,' PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi said.

'He is an incredibly talented player, with a frightening speed and ability to beat opposition players.

'He adds his name to the club's strong South American community and, above all, the big Paris Saint-Germain family.

'By signing Angel di Maria, Paris Saint-Germain is once again showing the club's constant ambition to reach the summits of the European game.' 

The 27-year-old (centre) completed his medical on Tuesday ahead of finalising the move

The sale of Di Maria means United's famous number seven shirt becomes available for the new season.

Summer signing Memphis Depay is favourite to take the shirt given that he wore it during his time at PSV Eindhoven.

United manager Louis van Gaal, meanwhile, will now look to bolster his squad by signing Barcelona forward Pedro.

Pedro has enjoyed 11 successful years at Barca, but has become frustrated at a lack of playing time at the Nou Camp recently following the signing of Neymar and Luis Suarez, who have formed a deadly three-pronged attack alongside Lionel Messi.

If Barca president Josep Bartomeu gets his way, Pedro will not be leaving the club, however.

'There is nothing on Pedro, there isn't any official offer (on the table),' Bartomeu was quoted as saying in Marca. 

'He is a Barca player and we want him to continue at Barca. To win the six competitions (we are in), we need the best players and Pedro is one of them.'

Pedro came off the bench to play the final 29 minutes of Barcelona's 3-0 friendly win over Roma at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night. 

Di Maria had told BeIN Sports: 'I am very happy to join PSG. What I know about PSG is that it is a team that won all the possible trophies in France last season. 

'This is very important for the club. I also know that I want to overcome the obstacle that is the quarter finals of the Champions League. I am going to try to bring the best of my abilities to put myself at the service of this team. 

'We are going to try and go as far as possible in the Champions League.' 

United signed Di Maria from Real Madrid for a British record £59.7million last summer, but after an impressive start, his form dipped and he only started one of the final 10 games of last season.

The total sum of the winger's transfers has topped the £132m mark following his move.

That would rank the United flop as the most expensive player of all time, taking into account the cumulative values of his transfers.

Di Maria did not join United's pre-season tour of the United States after appearing at the Copa America in Chile where Argentina lost the final to the hosts in a shootout. 

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refuses to rule Alexis Sanchez out of West Ham opener as Chile star returns to training following break

Alexis Sanchez could play some part in Arsenal's first Premier League game of the season against West Ham after returning to London Colney.

The former Barcelona forward, who netted 16 Premier League goals during his debut campaign, was back in training for the first time on Thursday after enjoying an extended break following his Copa America success with hosts Chile last month.

Sanchez was pictured being put through his paces by fitness coaches Craig Gant and Tony Colbert as he looks to make a speedy return to Arsene Wenger's first-team.

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez runs with the ball after returning to training at London Colney following his summer break

Sanchez was put through his paces by fitness coaches Craig Gant and Tony Colbert as Arsenal prepare to face West Ham on Sunday

Chile star Sanchez sits down and takes a breather after being reintroduced to Arsenal training for the first time since May

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule Sanchez out of Arsenal's opening game of the new Premier League season against West Ham

The Frenchman ruled the 26-year-old out of Sunday's clash with the Hammers last month but he now appears to be having second thoughts after seeing Sanchez's fitness levels first hand.

'Alexis is back in training but I don't think he will be involved on Sunday, it is a bit early maybe,' he told arsenal.com. 'We have to decide that at the end of the week, but I don't think he will be involved.'

Sanchez, who took part in sprint drills and also worked with the ball, was also seen chatting with Wenger ahead of the Premier League's big kick-off.

Asked about a video of Sanchez keeping fit on a beach in Chile during his break, Wenger added: 'Alex without running around is not Alex, you know. 

If Sanchez is not deemed fit enough to face West Ham then he could face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on August 16

Former Barcelona star Sanchez was reunited with his team-mates on Thursday following an extended break after the Copa America

'You can't imagine him lying on the beach somewhere and not moving! He came back in good fitness shape so that is quite positive, but I am not surprised by that because I can't imagine him lying around for four weeks and doing nothing. That wouldn't be him.'

Forward Danny Welbeck, who is suffering with a knee injury, will definitely miss the opening game of the season, along with midfielder Tomas Rosicky.

'We have Welbeck on a progressive recovery and Rosicky on a progressive recovery,' Wenger added.

Midfielder Santi Cazorla swings in a corner as Arsenal continue their preparations for the visit of London rivals West Ham

Manager Arsene Wenger gives instructions to his players as defender Calum Chambers watches the Frenchman at work

Wales international Aaron Ramsey shows off a heavily-tattooed leg as he plays a pass during Thursday's training session

'He (Welbeck) is not too far away, but he is not ready for Sunday.'

Wenger also spoke of his delight at Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla, both of whom were in training on Thursday, agreeing new long-term deals. 

'I'm very happy because first of all, they are two exceptional players, and as well because I think the cohesion inside the club is an underestimated quality,' Wenger told Arsenal Player.

Defender Nacho Monreal (left) and team-mate Theo Walcott share an embrace as Arsenal's players get ready to face the Hammers

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be hoping to start at the Emirates on Sunday after scoring the winner in the Community Shield last week

Summer signing Petr Cech will make his first Premier League appearance for the Gunners against West Ham after joining from Chelsea

'To have a good cohesion level, it's important that your players stay together for a long period. That will contribute.'

'You see how people chant Santi's name,' Wenger added. 'Santi is technically perfect, he's a very intelligent player and a very good team player as well.

'Theo is a good goalscorer and he makes very intelligent runs. I think he's at a moment of his career where he knows that it's now time for him to completely fulfil his potential.'

Manchester United XI: Pedro addition would give Louis van Gaal a formidable frontline... here's how they could line up next season

Manchester United are moving closer to signing Barcelona forward Pedro after meeting the £22million release clause in his contract.

The 28-year-old could even complete his move in time to line up in United's Barclays Premier League opener at home to Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime, though Barcelona want to keep him until after next week's UEFA Super Cup match with Sevilla.

Pedro, who scored 98 times for Barcelona, is a replacement for Angel di Maria, who was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £44.4m - a loss of £15m - following a disappointing debut season at Old Trafford.

But how will Louis van Gaal tweak his line-up to accommodate the Spain international?

Louis van Gaal keeps a close watch on Man United training - his squad looks much stronger this season

United look set to seal the signing of £22m Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez in the next few days

How Manchester United could line-up this season if Pedro completes his signing from Barcelona as expected

 

GOALKEEPER

The goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford is a little chaotic as we approach the start of the campaign, with only the future of summer signing Sergio Romero clear.

Although David de Gea is expected to pull on the gloves against Spurs on Saturday, it is also anticipated he will be heading to Real Madrid before the close of the window on September 1.

United originally would not allow De Gea to depart without defender Sergio Ramos moving in part-exchange, but this now appears unlikely.

David de Gea remains a Manchester United player - but how much longer before his Real Madrid move? 

Sergio Romero (left), signed from Sampdoria, will become No 1 if De Gea moves back to Spain

If he goes, Van Gaal will feel he has an adequate contingency after signing Romero on a free transfer from Sampdoria.

The Argentina international of 62 caps brings with him plenty of experience and formerly worked under Van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar in Holland, his first club in Europe.

Victor Valdes, another former Barcelona player, has been demoted to the Under 21s and is unlikely to feature much this season.

DEFENCE

United's defence was pretty shambolic at the beginning of last season. A spate of injuries left Van Gaal's options decimated and the slow start meant any title bid was out of the question.

He will hope for better fortune 12 months on. Although a centre half hasn't arrived, the purchase of Matteo Darmian from Torino has strengthened the right-back position and, on the evidence of pre-season, the 25-year-old looks an exciting proposition.

Matteo Darmian, signed this summer from Torino, looked impressive during the pre-season matches

Luke Shaw, who has worked hard on his fitness, takes on Zlatan Ibrahimovic during the pre-season tour

Van Gaal has predicted great things for Luke Shaw this season now alarms over his fitness levels have been addressed and he will rightly be the first-choice left back, offering plenty of support going forward.

There is then a choice of seven centre-halves: Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Daley Blind, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair.

Van Gaal has already suggested that Blind will be first choice at the heart of defence this season, despite being more of a defensive midfielder.

Daley Blind looks set to be converted into a centre back for the coming season

Chris Smalling, seen here taking on PSG's Blaise Matuidi, is set to line up at centre-half 

Smalling was favoured at the tail end of last season and so the England man is likely to get the nod over Jones and Rojo.

Evans has been linked with a move away before the end of the window but even if that happens, United should be well stocked at the back.

MIDFIELD

Van Gaal has addressed a major area of concern over the summer by bringing in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin to help out the ageing Michael Carrick.

But the 34-year-old isn't quite done yet and such is United's record with him involved he will still figure in a good number of games throughout the season.

Van Gaal tried to make a point about Schweinsteiger's fitness during the pre-season tour but it is to be expected that the German World Cup winner will partner Schneiderlin at the base of the midfield in most games.

German World Cup-winner Bastian Schweinsteiger was the most eye-catching of United's summer arrivals 

The 34-year-old Michael Carrick remains a central part of Van Gaal's plans despite the summer arrivals

The pair could play alongside Juan Mata or more likely just behind him. The Spaniard has become a central part of United's creativity and will be essential once again, especially in the Champions League.

Van Gaal got the best out of Marouane Fellaini in the second half of last season and his physicality was a real weapon in some of the big games.

While United must refrain from simply lumping the ball in his direction, the Belgian is a very useful asset in contests against Chelsea and Manchester City for example.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find room for Ander Herrera, even though the Spaniard was used heavily at the end of last season to good effect.

Herrera is a popular figure with the fans but he is unlikely to take Mata's role and is behind Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin and Carrick in the pecking order too.

Juan Mata and Ashley Young take part in training ahead of United's opening Premier League game with Spurs

FORWARDS

Van Gaal believes United are screaming out for forward players with pace and creativity, though the front trio that will line up this season aren't at all bad.

The likelihood is that captain Wayne Rooney will return to his favoured centre forward role supported by new arrivals Memphis Depay on the left and Pedro on the right.

There were some positive indications during the pre-season matches that Rooney and Depay will link together very effectively.

A similar understanding with Pedro will mean United have a pretty formidable attack. And the Barcelona man's arrival will help alleviate concerns that United are a striker light.

Wayne Rooney has targeted 25 goals in the coming season after returning to a centre-forward position 

Memphis Depay looks to be an exciting addition to the Manchester United forward line

If Rooney was to get injured, the other options are Javier Hernandez - whom Van Gaal rates so highly he sent him out on loan last season - and James Wilson, who struggled for goals. 

As we know already, the signing of Depay is bad news for Ashley Young, who looks resigned to a season on the bench despite being excellent last year. 

Likely line-up: De Gea/Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin; Mata; Pedro, Depay; Rooney

Bench: De Gea/Romero; Jones, Rojo, Herrera, Fellaini, Young, Hernandez  

Didier Drogba presented as Montreal Impact player as Ivorian says he spoke to Chelsea staff and Alessandro Nesta about move

Didier Drogba has been officially unveiled as a Montreal Impact signing and says he was urged by Chelsea players to make the move - as well as Alessandro Nesta.

The striker has enjoyed a stellar career in England, France, Turkey and China and he appeared to be taken aback by the welcome he received in Canada on Wednesday, before being presented to the media just a day later.

And Drogba, who hopes to make his MLS debut against New York Red Bulls next week, spoke to his former team-mates about his next venture and also the former Italy captain. 

Didier Drogba poses with the No 11 shirt during his presentation as a Montreal Impact player on Thursday

A view of the Saputo Stadium before the press conference for the MLS's newest Ivorian striker

Drogba was mobbed by fans at at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal on Wednesday

Hundreds of fans turned up at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to greet the Ivorian star

Nesta played for Montreal in the 2012-13 season.

'I spoke to Nesta and I know he had a great time here and Montreal is French speaking, while the president also had a big influence,' Drogba, who will wear the No 11 shirt, said.

'The Chelsea players and staff spoke very well about the training centre, that was very important.'

Drogba also rubbished claims that he could be the 'superstar' of the group, while admitting he was surprised by all the fans greeting him at the airport on Wednesday.

'The superstar is only the way people look at you, but in the locker room we're all the same,' he added. 'We're all human beings.'

'I was in Istanbul and in China, but yesterday I was different and I wasn't expecting it'. 

The 37-year-old left Chelsea this summer after playing 381 games for the Blues and winning four Premier League titles across two spells with the London club. 

Drogba, who was released by the west London side at the end of the season, will officially join the Canadian club when he receives his Canadian work permit. 

The MLS side are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference and took to Twitter to confirm the news on Monday night.

Impact President Joey Saputo told the club's official website: It's an honour to welcome Didier Drogba to the Impact. From the first conversation I had with him, I felt that he really wanted to play in Montreal.

The car carrying Drogba is mobbed by fans as he leaves the airport on Wednesday

'This is one of the biggest days in club history and his arrival to the club will be beneficial in every aspect.

'He's had an impact on millions of people since the start of his career and he will continue to do so wearing the Impact colours.' 

Technical Director Adam Braz added: 'We are very excited and thrilled to add to our roster a player with an exceptional career.

Lionel Messi returns to Barcelona training four days early as he cuts holiday short for tests with Neymar and Javier Mascherano

Argentina stars Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are already back in Barcelona training, less than a month after their Copa America final defeat and a week ahead of schedule.

The pair returned to the European champions' Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training base on Thursday alongside South American colleagues Dani Alves and Neymar for medical tests as they bid to get ready for Barcelona's Super Cup contests next month.

Barca face UEFA Cup winners Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on August 11 in Georgian capital Tbilisi before taking on Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish edition over two legs on August 14 and 17.

Scroll down for video 

Lionel Messi (left) was back at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training base for tests on Thursday

(From left) Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Alves, and Neymar strike a pose at the training centre

Messi is strapped up and put through his paces as part of the routine medical examinations

Brazil star Neymar puts the hard yards in as Barcelona's stars prepare for their upcoming Super Cup clashes

Messi gives the thumbs up on his Facebook account as the hard work for the new season gets under way

With the games already coming thick and fast, Messi and Mascherano cut their vacations short to join their team-mates who played in the International Champions Cup in America.

Messi and Mascherano only finished on July 4 with a 0-0 draw against Chile ending with a penalty shootout defeat in Santiago to leave the Argentinians as Copa America runners up.

Along with Brazilian pair Alves and Neymar, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was also undergoing routine medical checks leaving fellow goalkeeper Claudio Bravo as the only member of Barca's first-team squad still away on holiday.

The Chile stopper will rejoin his team-mates on Monday.

Despite being defeated by Chelsea - on penalties - and Manchester United during their Stateside tour, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said he was pleased with the efforts of the squad missing some of its most famous talents.

Of Barca's most recent game against the Blues, Enrique said: 'It was a game of a high physical level, although we had times when we did not control the game. We did not lose the match against Chelsea, we drew. We leave happy with everything.'

Messi stretches out as Barcelona look to get their top star back into action as soon as possible

Neymar is examined by medical staff at the centre having enjoyed the final days of his summer holidays

Ter Stegen and Javier Mascherano (right) smile for the cameras before preparations begin for the new season

Ter Stegen went on tour with Barca but was also back in town to undergo the routine examinations

'We have been able to get playing time against top quality opposition, we have had the support of lots of fans, who have been the majority in the grounds and we have been able to promote the club.'

The return of two parts of the famous MSN frontline, with Luis Suarez already back, will vastly strengthen the group but there is still little concern over the Treble-winning club's form as the season is still three weeks from recommencing.

Luis Enrique has few worries about his side with over three weeks until the new La Liga season begins