Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is reportedly pondering over a ‘double your pay’ offer from Premier League club Arsenal.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Karim Benzema is thinking about a summer exit from Real Madrid, having received a tempting offer to move to Premier League club Arsenal. Chelsea are also closely following the French striker.
Benzema has been one of the cornerstones in Real Madrid’s success in recent years, having forged one of the most potent attacking trios in the world with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale – the BBC. In nearly eight years with Los Blancos, he has notched up over 350 appearances, bagging 179 goals and 101 assists.
However, after being one of the most consistent strikers in the world in the last few seasons, Benzema has experienced a dip in form in 2016/17. The 29-year-old has played 24 games in La Liga to score just nine times in addition to 4 assists.
As a result, there is growing cry from the Real Madrid supporters to let go of Benzema and bring in a top quality replacement in the summer. And it looks like the opposition from the fans is starting to get to the French international as well.
Benzema has, over the years, grown accustomed to being at the receiving end of criticism from the fans, having often been met with jeers and whistles. That coupled with the fact that Real Madrid are scouring the market for strikers have now led him to think about a summer exit from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Benzema is believed to have an offer from Arsenal on his table, with Arsene Wenger making his compatriot his number one target for the summer transfer window. The North London club have offered to double the striker’s pay package, which is tempting him to take up the deal.
Indeed, Arsenal have been long-time admirers of Benzema’s talents and have reportedly made several attempts to sign him in the last few seasons. However, after repeatedly failing in their pursuit of the Frenchman, they now seem to be closer than ever to securing his services.
With Alexis Sanchez’s future being a subject of growing uncertainty at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger needs to prepare for the worst and look for possible world class replacements. And in case the Chilean ends up staying, he could offer a healthy boost to Arsenal’s attack as well.
Chelsea are believed to be interested in signing Benzema as well, and it remains to be seen if they can find a way to steal a march on their London rivals. For now though, it looks like Arsenal have secured the lead in the race to sign Benzema in the summer.
