Real Madrid are considering moves to replace Karim Benzema if they elect to sell the Frenchman this summer according to Spanish source AS.
Arsenal are ready to offer as much as £45.7m for the 27-year-old according to AS, a fee that would break the North London club’s transfer record.
Karim Benzema has netted 133 goals in six seasons in the Spanish capital but Rafa Benitez is reportedly ready to use Gareth Bale in a central striking spot (via The Daily Telegraph) which would leave the former Lyon man’s first-team role restricted.
AS identifies Juventus forwards Alvaro Morata & Fernando Llorente as well as Man City’s Sergio Aguero as players that interest Real Madrid.
Of the three players named it’s clear that Argentine international Aguero is the pick of the bunch, the 27-year-old finishing last season as the Premier League’s top-scorer.
Real Madrid are thought to have a buy-back clause (via The Indepedent) that would aid a move to snap up Juventus youngster Morata with AS reporting that the Spanish forward has a frosty relationship with boss Massimiliano Allegri.
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Karim Benzema is a more rounded performer than Arsenal’s current first-choice starting striker Olivier Giroud, the Real Madrid man being a provider as well as a prolific goal-scorer.
Last season Karim Benzema finished as one of La Liga’s leading assist makers and the French international’s goal tally exceeded 20 goals for the fifth season in succession.
Giroud’s tally of 54 goals in 134 Arsenal appearances looks decidedly pedestrian when compared to Benzema’s record.