Arsenal have reportedly earmarked £40m-rated Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema as their number one target in the January transfer window.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is thought to hold a long-term admiration for the France striker and will look to sign the 26-year-old in the winter, according to The Metro.

Wenger is believed to be keen on bolstering his striking options in the coming months, with Danny Welbeck without a goal in five games, while Olivier Giroud is nearing a return after a three-month absence through injury.

The North Londoners could face stiff competition from Liverpool, however, as Brendan Rodgers looks to beef up his hitmen following the news of Daniel Sturridge's setback.

The England striker is poised to miss another six weeks through injury, leaving the Reds with goal-shy forwards Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert.

Benzema, who has scored 11 times in 12 Champions League and La Liga starts this season, is out of contract with the Spanish giants in 2019.