The Gunners are preparing a £40million bid for Real Madrid star striker Karim Benzema, according to reports in England and Spain. Arsene Wenger is a long-time admirer of the French striker and has tried to lure him out of Real Madrid several times in the past.
According to Marca Futbol, the 28-year-old is regarded as the missing piece in Wenger’s puzzle who could take Arsenal to the next level. The London-based club is in search of a dependable striker since Robin Van Persie left in 2012 for domestic rivals Manchester United. The London-based club ended up buying Olivier Giroud, Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck, Yaya Sanogo and Chuba Akpom but is understood to be still in search for a lethal forward.
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Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is also an admirer of his countryman Benzema but reportedly will not turn down a generous offer for the former Lyon forward. However, a possible transfer will be hard to strike down as the Spanish giants are facing a transfer window and will not be able to replace Benzema quickly.
According to Football 365, the transfer is less likely to be completed if Real Madrid fail to get their FIFA transfer ban lifted.
The veteran French striker has linked a considerable amount of time with the London-based club. As reported by The Week, Arsene Wenger is considering replacing Arsenal hitman Olivier Giroud with the introduction of Karim Benzema to the starting XI. However, Olivier Giroud’s future is still a mystery for the Arsenal faithful.
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The former Lyon forward has scored a staggering amount of 170 goals in all competitions for Lyon and Real Madrid. He also has 27 international goals for the French international team. His current contract keeps him at the Bernabeu until 2019. Benzema has scored one goal in five appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid this season.
Wenger has been utilizing Alexis Sanchez in the upfront this season as Giroud is struggling with injuries. The Arsenal boss is hoping to pair the Chilean forward with Benzema, replacing Giroud.
Arsene Wenger is out of his current contract at the end of this season and is likely to leave the London giants after 20 years.
Benzema is being valued by his current employers Real Madrid in the region of €60million.
