Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reiterated that there was never any substance to media speculation surrounding a big-money bid for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

The Gunners were heavily linked with a £46m move for the France striker, with Spain-based journalist Graham Hunter describing the deal as "doable" on Thursday.

Wenger was expected to add a forward to his ranks this summer, with Olivier Giroud the only established number nine at the Emirates Stadium club as it stands.

However, Wenger used Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez in a striking role occasionally last season, along with Theo Walcott, and the Frenchman insists that he has ample options up front.

"It is just media talk," he told reporters at a press conference.

"The media spoke about this, I never came out on Karim Benzema. When Sanchez and Welbeck are back we feel we have the needed striking force.

"Our ambition is to win the Premier League. We have to set our targets high if we are to make progress from last season."

Arsenal kick off their Premier League season by welcoming West Ham United to North London on Sunday.