Arsenal may be able to pull off the deal of the summer in luring Real Madrid‘s Karim Benzema to north London, but may need the striker to hand in a transfer request.
Spanish football expert Graham Hunter believes that the France international really could swap the Santiago Bernabeu for the Emirates this summer; however, the player himself will have to force the move.
Hunter reckons that Benzema could be open to joining Arsene Wenger‘s side, as he could find himself on the bench throughout the new season as a consequence of new Real manager Rafael Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
What’s more, with Arsenal willing to spend in excess of £45m for the striker’s signature, Los Blancos’ current need for money could tempt them into selling.
“Arsenal have the money and Real Madrid need the money,” Hunter told talkSPORT.
“They are 500million euros in global debt, they are trying to buy David De Gea and won’t go the extra mile to get him off Manchester United because of the cash, so they need the money.
“And because Rafa Benitez will play 4-2-3-1 there is one less place for an attacking player than there was last season.
“It is a doable deal, but it won’t happen unless Benzema says to Real Madrid: ‘I want to go to Arsenal’.”
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There have been suggestions over the summer that Benzema is reaching the end of his career in the Spanish capital.
He hasn’t featured heavily in their pre-season, and was earlier this week confirmed to have suffered an injury in training amid speculation surrounding his future.
Reports have claimed that Arsene Wenger could be prepared to wait until transfer deadline day to complete the deal.