Alvaro Morata or Karim Benzema? This question must surely be haunting even the dreams of Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. While there have been plenty of reports about Morata not being happy with his role at the Bernabeu, it has emerged that Zidane is reportedly considering selling Benzema as he is desperate to keep Morata at Real Madrid.
The Frenchman has also put in some lacklustre performances and has even been booed by the Madrid supporters recently. Also, with Benzema already 29 and Morata still only 24, Perez is ready to cash in on the enigmatic forward.
A striker of the pedigree of Benzema will undoubtedly attract attention and without much ado, let us take a look at 5 possible destinations for Karim Benzema in the summer:
#5 Arsenal
I know. I know, Arsenal have been linked with Karim Benzema since time immemorial, but this summer, it MIGHT actually happen. Although Benzema has grabbed 12 goals this season, Perez has not been impressed with his one-time favourite's lacklustre performances this campaign.
Also, with Morata supposedly threatening to leave if he does not get enough first team opportunities, Diario Gol are reporting that Perez has reportedly offered the 29-year-old to the North London side.
Question marks remain over Giroud’s ability to carry the team to the Premier League title. While the tall Frenchman has divided opinions at the Emirates, the arrival of Benzema could provide a much-needed boost to both the fans and Arsene Wenger.
Benzema’s style of play also suits the Gunners perfectly and his ability to link up play and his brilliant first touch passing will definitely interest Arsene Wenger in the summer.
#4 Chinese Super League
The Chinese Super League has completely shaken the foundations of the game we love and it will be no surprise if the Frenchman joins a long list of superstars making big money moves to the newly emerging league.
One of the CSL sides, Tianjin Quanjian even confirmed that they had made a bid for Benzema in the January transfer window:
"We need an out-and-out striker so we made a bid for Benzema. We also made an attempt for [Monaco striker] Falcao.” said owner Shu Yuhui.
While a deal for Benzema could not be agreed upon this window, the talented Frenchman might well earn himself a handsome salary by moving to China in the summer transfer window.
Also, a signing of Benzema’s calibre will definitely raise the profile of the burgeoning Chinese Super League.
#3 Olympique Lyonnais
While Lyon might not be able to offer the wages of China, Chelsea or even Arsenal, what it can offer is an emotional return for Benzema to his childhood club. The Frenchman established himself as one of the game’s most promising strikers at Lyon and he still remembers the time he spent there fondly.
Many might doubt Lyon’s ability to afford the striker. However, recently, Lyon’s President, Jean-Michael Aulas sold 20% of the club to a Chinese private equity fund for €100 million and their spending power has increased quite a bit as can be seen from Memphis Depay’s recent arrival from Manchester United.
At 29, Benzema will still be able to make a difference at Ligue 1 and the Frenchman might want to give something back to the club which honed him and gave him the foundation to become one the world’s best strikers.
#2 Paris Saint-Germain
Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint-Germain have not been at their dominant best under Unai Emery. Ever since Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure to Manchester United, the burden of goalscoring has largely fallen on Edinson Cavani.
While the Uruguay international has largely stepped up to the plate scoring an incredible 29 goals in 28 games, the Parisians lack any type of Plan B up front and have even resorted to playing Hatem Ben Arfa as a striker in Cavani’s absence.
Karim Benzema might not be able to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but there is no denying the fact that the Frenchman is a top quality forward and a move to Ligue 1 might just reinvigorate both Benzema and PSG.
Also, playing in Ligue 1 might bring back Benzema back into the national team contention as well. With Ronaldo prepared to play in the centre-forward role at Madrid and Morata waiting to take his chance, it will be interesting to see where the Frenchman will ply his trade next season.
#1 Chelsea
Although Chelsea have been linked heavily with Benzema’s strike partner Alvaro Morata, a move for the Frenchman looks more realistic. With Perez and Zidane unwilling to sell the talented Spaniard, Conte might look towards signing Benzema in the summer window.
Chelsea’s title challenge has been built around the stunning form of Diego Costa. However, various reports have suggested that the Spaniard has had his head turned by a big money offer from China.
Also read: Transfer Rumour: Real Madrid to let Karim Benzema leave for Premier League
While Chelsea have Michy Batshuayi, the young Belgian is yet to play to the best of his abilities in the Premier League. On the other hand, Benzema has experience of playing and winning multiple Champions League titles and League titles. The Real Madrid star will also not take too much time to settle in the Premier League.
Keeping all these factors in mind, Benzema could prove to be the ideal replacement for Diego Costa at Chelsea.
