Arsenal are set to make a big money offer for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema according to reports in Spain.
The 27-year-old has netted over 20 goals in each of his past five seasons at the Bernabeu and is one of Europe’s most consistent goal-scoring weapons.
He is a player who has interested in Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for some time, with the coach’s interest in the French international dating back to Benzema’s time at Lyon [via The Guardian], and Fichajes [via the Metro] believe Arsenal are ready to offer £40.5 million for the Real Madrid star.
Some reports suggest newly appointed Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez is ready to use Gareth Bale in a central striking role [via the Daily Mirror], and that could leave Karim Benzema left out of the Spaniard’s starting eleven.
READ MORE:
Arsenal transfer news.
Arsenal looking to beat Chelsea to £15.5m Serie A star and Spanish international
Chelsea & Arsenal linked with move for hugely talented €30m German international
Karim Benzema was a virtual ever-present under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, with Gonzalo Higuain having been sold to Napoli, and the powerful marksman has repaid the faith the Italian showed in him with a tally of 32 goals and 19 assists in 64 appearances in La Liga alone over the past two campaigns.
Arsene Wenger has used Olivier Giroud as his first-choice central striking option over the course of the past three seasons and it would be fair to state that the former Montpellier man has been a solid, if not spectacular, acquisition. He scored an admirable 14 goals in 27 Premier League outings last term.
Benzema would offer Wenger a more rounded striking weapon to lead the Gunners’ forward line, and the Real Madrid man certainly has the physical presence to make an impact in the Premier League.