Arsenal transfer news: Martin Keown urges Arsene Wenger to sign Real Madrid star Karim Benzema

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has urged Arsene Wenger to complete the signing of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema this summer.

The France international is the key player for the La Liga giants to lead their strike force. He has been a transfer target for the Gunners and The Daily Mail recently reported Arsenal made another approach for the frontman after their initial bid was turned down.

The north London will face competition from their league rivals Manchester United in signing Benzema. The Guardian claims the Real star has emerged as a summer target for Louis van Gaal.

The former Gunners defender says Wenger will sign a striker this summer and has urged him to beat United in bringing Benzema to the Emirates.

"If you're not the champions and your striker, Olivier Giroud, didn't start the FA Cup final last season, there are question marks over that position and maybe they need to be addressed," Keown told talkSPORT.

"Danny Welbeck is injured. Theo Walcott has just signed a new contract so there are lots of options. I'd just like to see a more mobile and frightening front player to come into that Arsenal group.

"Why not go for Karim Benzema to play down the middle. I think Manchester United are just as keen to get a striker in as Arsenal so perhaps those two will be bidding against each other to bring someone in at the last minute."

"I'd like to see a striker signed. I think there is no doubt about it, I've been in that dressing room when a top player comes in, it sends a ripple through the dressing room you feel almost invincible and on the outside the opposition look at how good you were before and think how much better you will be now," he added.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will face Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley on 2 August. Wenger will be hoping he can seal his first win over the Blues manager Jose Mourinho on Sunday (2 August).