Having been linked with a January move to Arsenal, here are four reasons why Benzema would be the perfect winter transfer for the Gunners.
Arsenal have recently been linked with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, with reports suggesting he could be available in January.
Fans have been calling out for a marquee forward for a long time, but is he the right striker for the Gunners?
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Here are four reasons why Benzema would be a perfect fit:
4) French connection
Arsene Wenger has long been an admirer of the French striker, and even hoped to bring him to North London before Madrid snapped him up.
The manager’s pull with French players is often enough to sway them when the choice is between two or more clubs and Benzema may be the same.
With several of his international teammates already in the squad, it would take him very little time to settle in to London and they could even have a little whisper in the attacker’s ear.
3) Versatility
Although predominantly an out and out striker, Benzema is capable of playing out on the wing if required. He has played there with France alongside Oliver Giroud, often to devastating effect.
Wenger likes his players to interchange positions fluently, so someone who can play all along the front would fit perfectly into the French manager’s philosophy.
2) Reliable goal machine
Except for his first season at Madrid in 2009/10 when he seemed to be taking some time to bed in, Benzema has scored over 20 goals a season every season since 2007.
The Frenchman enjoyed his best season in 2011/12 when he netted 21 times in La Liga and 32 times in all competitions.
He is already off to a good start this campaign, with five goals in 11 appearances.
1) Pass master
Although not necessarily recognised for it regularly, Benzema is a superb passer of the ball and provides a huge number of assists.
He is the kind of striker who you can bounce balls off in a similar way to Giroud, although the 26-year-old is far more agile and adaptable than his compatriot.
To illustrate just how much of an accomplished passer he is, since August 2012 only Koke, Lionel Messi, and Cesc Fabregas have more assists than Benzema.
Wenger requires his forwards to get involved in the build up and contribute in midfield as well as the usual duties a striker has – a role the Frenchman fits perfectly.