Arsenal Eye £35m Move for Liverpool Target if Gunners Fail to Sign Benzema - Report

Arsenal are considering a move for Liverpool target Diego Costa if the Gunners fail to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to the Express. The Reds were keen to add the Atletico Madrid striker to their squad, but their approach was turned down by the Spanish club.

The north London side have been linked with a move for the French international after Arsenal's multiple bids for Liverpool's Luis Suarez were rejected by the Anfield club. The Gunners are also interested in Benzema's club team-mate, Angel di Maria.

The Gunners ended their pursuit for the Uruguayan and he is now a transfer target for the Spanish giants. Arsene Wenger claims any move from his side for Benzema will depend on Real's possible signing of Suarez. Should the nine-time European champions fail to land the former Ajax man, it could dent Arsenal's chances of landing Benzema.

The Express claims the 63-year-old manager has set his eyes on the Brazilian striker as an alternative plan, if they fail to add Benzema to their squad. Costa signed a new deal with Atletico few weeks earlier and has said he is happy at the La Liga outfit.

"I am very happy with the deal, it is a very special moment. I am delighted with this agreement after fighting for a long time to win the respect and affection of the fans, my team-mates and people in the club," Costa said.

However, Costa could consider his future and make an exit before the transfer window closes on 2 September. He was jeered by Atletico fans during his side's 3-1 victory over Sevilla, where the Brazilian striker found the back of the net twice.

The report claims that Costa extended his deal with the La Liga outfit as he was not impressed by the offers he had received for his services. Atletico are willing to let the striker leave if Arsenal match their £35m asking price.

Yaya Sanogo is Arsenal's only addition this summer, and fans have slated Wenger after Arsenal lost their opening Premier League game 3-1 at home to Aston Villa. With less than 10 days left in the transfer window, Arsenal manager remains confident over new signings.