Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to battle Manchester United for Karim Benzema. The Sunday Times says Wenger is ready to go head to head with Sir Alex Ferguson for the signature of Benzema in the knowledge that the 21-year-old France striker would rather join Arsenal this summer than Manchester United.

Benzema was initially reluctant to leave this summer, but with Lyons keen to sell, he wants a club where he will be guaranteed first-team football. Though outgunned financially, Arsenal boss Wenger has an edge in that respect over United and Real Madrid.

Arsenal have also been made aware of Benzema's desire to work with Wenger.