“I need only one assurance before i join Arsenal”- Karim Benzema makes crucial Ars en al January transfer as the French Balon D’Or winner reveals he is only interested in playing at the Emirates Stadium on ‘ONE CONDITION’

Karim Benzema makes crucial Arsenal January transfer decision as Newcastle hatch plan

All the latest Arsenal transfer news as football.london looks at the latest January transfer news at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal’s search for a new striker is expected to drag on for the remainder of the January transfer window following another unexpected turn in their pursuit.

The Gunners have been linked with a host of number nines in the last six months and Al-Ittihad star Karim Benzema is the latest to be tipped to move to the Emirates Stadium.

Benzema’s summer move to Saudi Arabia has not gone to plan, sparking rumours of the former Real Madrid man wanting a return to Europe. Arsenal had been mentioned in the race for his signature, as had Chelsea and Manchester United, but it seems as though the striker will be staying put.

French outlet L’Equipe have claimed that Benzema has finally returned to Jeddah and has started training with Al-Ittihad after missing their training camp last week. The decision is expected to put an end to any hope of one last dance in Europe for the Frenchman.

Ruling Benzema out means Arsenal are back to square one and the longer they leave it, the more likely Mikel Arteta is to be without a new talisman for the second half of the 2023/24 season.

football.london says: Ever since Benzema was linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, concerns emerged over how Arsenal would be able to justify paying so much for a short-term fix.

Whilst his arrival would only be a loan, his current wage package stands at over £85million per season, according to Marca, meaning the Gunners would face a bill of approximately £38.9million just for his wages alone.

It’s a lot of money and while Benzema’s goal record speaks for itself, Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Premier League Profitability and Sustainability rules (PSR) means the north Londoners have to get their dealings right.

However, Arsenal are still without a new centre-forward and the position is desperate for new blood. If a new No.9 isn’t signed before the window closes, you do fear they could regret it.

Arsenal could face another blow in their pursuit of one of their January targets in Amadou Onana. The Gunners had sounded out the Everton midfielder as a possible January reinforcement after reigniting their interest in him.

However, The Telegraph have reported that Newcastle are considering a move amid concerns over their failure to tie Joelinton down to a new contract. The story adds that Onana has grown unsettled at Goodison Park and has been added to Newcastle’s shortlist of the sort of profile they want.

Like Arsenal, Newcastle are restricted to what they can do in the market due to PSR. However, with their injuries mounting up, a move for Onana could be made before the window closes.

football.london says: Arsenal will not want to miss out on Onana after scouting him for so long. However, Newcastle joining the race for his signature in desperate fashion could see them do that.

The Belgium international is versatile enough to do the job in a number of roles across the midfield so it’s clear to see why so many teams are keen on signing him. Finance restrictions mean Arsenal may have to wait until the summer but Newcastle’s circumstance could take it away from them.

Supporters will be frustrated at the lack of action allowed in the market in north London. Arsenal will have to hope that Newcastle’s own financial situation can mean they can swoop in at the end of the season.