Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is counting on the French connection to win the race for Lyon striker Karim Benzema.

The Daily Mail says Wenger hopes the French influence at Arsenal will lure Benzema to the Emirates Stadium but he will have to move soon after Real Madrid offered £27 million for the striker.

Manchester United also want the France striker but Wenger trusts the presence of Benzema's international team-mates William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Mikael Silvestre could tempt the 21-year-old to join the Gunners.