Rumour: Arsenal reported to step-up interest in Karim Benzema as Real Madrid refuse to bow to his wage demands

Arsenal’s pursuit of forward Karim Benzema has been given a boost following reports that the 26-year-old has made wage demands to Real Madrid that the Spanish giants believe are unrealistic, according to the Express. The Express also report that the club are set to step-up their interest in the Frenchman too.

Benzema, who is set to play a leading role for Les Bleus during the World Cup in Brazil after Franck Ribery was ruled out of the tournament with injury, has insisted that he is keen to remain in Madrid next season, but his demands could have potentially scuppered his hopes of agreeing a contract extension.

Benzema’s current deal expires next summer and he has reportedly requested that he is given pay parity with world record signing Gareth Bale, which would equate to £135,000-a-week. The hefty sum would double his current pay packet and put him behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in the pecking order at the Bernabeu.

Despite a significant improvement in his performances last season, Los Blancos are unwilling to reward the striker so handsomely and he now looks set to leave the Spanish capital even though he remains highly rated by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The uncertainty surrounding Benzema’s future could provide Gunners chief Arsene Wenger with an opening to tempt his countryman to north London, but the excessive wages that have been quoted could also put the Premier League outfit off of a potential deal.

However, the FA Cup winners are in need of marquee signing more than ever given the manner in which Cesc Fabregas’ move to Chelsea has been received by the majority of the club’s fan base.

Karim Benzema created 63 chances in La Liga last season, 23 more than Gareth Bale.