Arsene Wenger allegedly dreams of signing Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and, as with Mesut Ozil, is prepared to wait patiently before tabling an offer.
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(Image) Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in attendance as club unveil new home kit for 2015/16 season
According to Spanish daily El Confidencial, the Gunners boss is a long-term admirer of his compatriot, and is tempted into finally make a move for his signature in this summer’s transfer window.
The report states, however, that Benzema’s possible Santiago Bernabeu exit hinges on whether the Spanish giants can secure the signing of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero – who would be a direct and arguably improved replacement to the Frenchman.
What’s more, El Confidencial claim that Arsene Wenger has been paying close attention in anticipation that, following a season filled with criticism for Gareth Bale [BBC Sport], new manager Rafael Benitez will hand the Wales international a leading role in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation – and Benzema would be sacrificed.
Olivier Giroud is currently the first-choice striker at the Emirates; however, there are question marks over his ability to deliver consistently and to the standard required for a club wanting to return to Premier League glory and make a claim for the Champions League. Even Gunners legend Thierry Henry has questioned the France international – stating that Arsene Wenger is still in need of a ‘top quality striker’ [via the Mirror].
What could prove key in Wenger’s interest in Benzema is the on-field relationship that the striker had with Mesut Ozil during the German’s Real Madrid career. Ozil was renowned for his formidable link up play with forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema – and a reunion at the Emirates could hand Arsenal a devastating attack in the Premier League.
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