Arsenal could be set to complete a deal for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema by Tuesday, claims respected journalist Emanuele Giulianelli.
The Gunners have been strongly linked to the 27-year-old throughout the summer, and as the transfer window comes to a head they could be about to make a move. Should they bring in the France international it could transform their fortunes after a shaky start to the season.
Imminent closing for Benzema to Arsenal: Tuesday could be the day of medicals and announcement.
— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) August 20, 2015
Former footballer and now pundit Jan Aage Fjortoft has also backed up that the North Londoners are interested in the striker, but claims that they aren’t ready to sign him just yet.
Re: Benzema I understand he is on the transfer-table. Arsenal sitting at the table, but Wenger hasn’t said “all in” yet #AFC
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) August 19, 2015
During the last campaign the Bernabeu ace scored 15 goals and created another 10 for his teammates in 29 La Liga matches. Combined, this is a vast improvement on current Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who managed 14 goals and three assists in 27 Premier League games last time round.
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Arsene Wenger’s side looked in need of extra firepower during their 0-2 loss to West Ham on the opening weekend of the season. Although they bounced back from that to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 last week, a single result shouldn’t change the fact that their current forward options appear to struggle in important matches.