- Real Madrid have opened talks over the transfer of Mauro Icardi
- Arsenal have also been linked with the Inter Milan striker
- Real want Icardi as a replacement for the struggling Karim Benzema
- READ MORE: Alexis Sanchez clarifies rumours Thierry Henry told him to leave Arsenal for Manchester United
Real Madrid have reportedly initiated contact over the transfer of Inter Milan striker and rumoured Arsenal target Mauro Icardi as they look for a replacement for Karim Benzema.
The Spanish giants could certainly do with strengthening in attack in the near future as the likes of Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo now look past the peak of their powers.
Icardi, meanwhile, has shone this season with an impressive tally of 18 goals in 21 Serie A games so far, establishing himself as one of the most lethal centre-forwards in Europe.
He could fit in well at the Bernabeu, and Don Balon claim Real have begun the process of discussing a deal to bring him in, with the club confident of the move as he wants to join.
This could be bad news for Arsenal, who are also in need of a new signing up front at the moment after losing Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United.
Gianluca Di Marzio recently listed the Gunners as among the clubs interested in Icardi and reported that he had a release clause of £96million, though most speculation at the moment suggests the north Londoners are working to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund.
The Daily Mail suggest things could be progressing on that front, so it may be that Arsenal will end up with Aubameyang, freeing up Real to move for Icardi relatively unchallenged.