Recent reports are out that Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger had ruled out the rumored transfer bids of the Gunners for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Southampton's Victor Wanyama this January.

The Premier League giants have long been linked to Los Blancos striker Benzema as Wenger is said to be a fan of the 27-year-old French international for several years now. However, no deals have pushed through between the aforementioned clubs until the summer window closed in September.

Like Us on Facebook

Speculations have again emerged that the Emirates tenants are going to try and lure Benzema to Holloway, London when the winter window opens in January, but the 66-year-old bench tactician denied the rumors outright during a recent interview.

Talking to reporters after the Gunners' 3-0 win over Olympiacos FC in the current Champions League, Wenger praised resident striker Olivier Giroud, Benzema's compatriot and Les Bleus teammate. He said that Giroud is "among the best strikers in Europe" due to his hat trick against Thrylos, as per the Mirror.

Asked if Wenger still considers bidding for Benzema, the manager said, "We just said that Olivier Giroud is a great striker, so behind that we cannot buy Karim Benzema."

Meanwhile, Arsenal was also recently rumored to have an interest on the Saints midfielder Wanyama and that the club is planning to deal for him in January.

Speaking this time before their Sunday Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Wenger clarified that they are indeed looking to improve their lineup with the transfer window reopening next month, but they are not eyeing the 24-year-old Kenya international, Caught Offside reports.

"I rate the player but we are not on the case," said Wenger. "We will be out there and see what we can do. But at the moment we have the whole of December to go and we are in a good position in the Premier League."

Arsenal is at the second spot of the English top flight's overall standings at the moment, two points behind league leader Leicester City and a point above other contending squads Manchester City and Manchester United. 

Tags Football Transfer Rumors, Football Transfer Rumors 2015, Arsenal Transfer Rumors, Arsenal FC, karim benzema, Victor Wanyama