Karim Benzema to Arsenal is a done deal, according to an Italian journalist, who claims the Real Madrid striker has also agreed on personal terms with Arsene Wenger's side.

Benzema is thought to be Wenger's number one target this summer, with the Arsenal manager ready to bide his time in order to complete the transfer rather than lose patience and go in for someone else.

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While Rafa Benitez claimed Benzema would stay with Real Madrid this season, those comments were thrown into doubt when Gareth Bale was deployed in a more central attacking role in the Audi Cup 2015, alongside Jese.

Cristiano Ronaldo has also reportedly made his intentions on playing through the middle clear, with Bale also joining that particular queue.

"It's my best position," Bale was quoted by the Guardian when asked about playing centrally. "When I played for Tottenham, I felt I played my best football there and when I play for Wales, I play there and play my best football. For me, that's my position and it's where I want to play.

"I'm able to go out to the left and the right, and it's what I was doing at Tottenham and what I do for Wales. It's great to have the support of the manager and the president [Florentino Perez] and, hopefully, I can repay them with some goals and trophies."

If Benitez decides to play Bale and/or Ronaldo – depending on the formation -- in a central role, it could diminish the chances of Benzema starting often enough for Real Madrid this season, which could mean Arsenal coming in with an offer the player cannot resist.

According to Emanuele Giulianelli, a transfer is already agreed with Benzema set to sign a four-year contract worth around £120,000 a week. Arsenal have reportedly made a bid of around £40million.

"Benzema will join Arsenal. 4 years contract at €9mln/y. #afc #gunners," Giulianelli said on his Twitter account.

"Benzema told to his entourage that he's excited about Wenger and Gunners. He loves Arsenal fans. #afc."

While a move for Benzema cannot be entirely ruled out, it is a little difficult to believe that the transfer is already agreed upon, considering both sides have vehemently denied any possible move.

Of course, neither side are likely to say anything until a move is completed, especially Wenger and Arsenal, who are quite secretive about their transfer dealings, but the feeling remains that the Benzema to Arsenal transfer will go right down to the wire, possibly until deadline day on 1 September, with transfer specialist David Alonso saying a firm interest remains.

"In Benzema's case, the interest is 100% real," Alonso told Cadena Ser.

"We can confirm that Arsenal are looking for a No. 9, that they have a lot of money to buy that player and that their priority is Karim Benzema.

"Wenger is ready to invest €60m (£42m) to buy a star."

The Daily Mail also say Real Madrid are willing to sell, but Arsenal will need to put in a £45m bid to get Benzema to the Emirates.