Arsenal failed transfer deadline day move for Juventus striker Simone Zaza

Arsenal failed with a last-minute approach for Juventus striker Simone Zaza on transfer deadline day. Arsene Wenger was under pressure to make a signing on the final day after primary target Karim Benzema ruled out leaving Real Madrid this summer.

According to Italian publication Tutto Mercato Web, the Gunners made a last-minute approach for the striker, as the French manager tried to appease fans with a signing. But it was rejected by the Serie A club, as they did not have time to sign a replacement due to the transfer window in Italy shutting a day earlier than in England.

The north London club made just one signing this summer, with Petr Cech arriving from Chelsea early in the window. They failed to make another signing for the rest of the window, making the Gunners the only team in the top five European leagues not to sign an outfield player this summer. Zaza was a last ditch move to bring in cover in the striking department, but Juventus demanded a hefty €30m (£22.1m, $33.8m) to ward off the Gunners leaving them empty handed on transfer deadline day.

Apart from Arsenal, Premier League rivals West Ham United were also interested in signing the Italian international forward, according to Sky Sports. However, they were rebuffed in their efforts by the Serie A champions in the last minute, after being close to agreeing a season-long loan deal.

The 24-year-old striker was reportedly keen to find a new club this summer, in order to get regular playing time, but will remain with Juventus, who have strikers Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata on their books, at least until January. The Emirates Stadium outfit were also linked with a deadline day move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, according to the Daily Mail, but the Mirror understands that Wenger was unwilling to pay the £50m demanded by the Ligue 1 club.