Chelsea issue Arsenal transfer deadline

Chelsea have told rivals Arsenal they want a quick decision on whether they plan to sign on-loan midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a permanent basis, reports the Daily Mail.

The 32-year-old Israel international has enjoyed an impressive season in north London, where he scored six goals in 25 appearances.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has not yet decided whether to make a permanent move for Benayoun, who turned down the opportunity to rejoin former club Liverpool in favour of a move to the Emirates Stadium last August.

Benayoun started all of Arsenal's last three Premier League fixtures, scoring twice to help them finish third in the table and secure a return to the Champions League next season.

Chelsea meanwhile, finished in a disappointing sixth placed, but confirmed their place in Europe's elite club competition after successfully winning the tournament in Germany last weekend, defeating Bayern Munich on penalties at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

The midfielder's future at Stamford Bridge remains unknown while the Blues are without a permanent manager, but it is more than likely Benayoun will leave west London in the not too distant future.