Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal over a potential switch.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal and Arsene Wener have an agreement with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema over a transfer to the Emirates in the coming days or atleast in the summer. Arsene Wenger believes the player would add a much needed spark to the Gunners’ attack.
Arsenal and their pursuit of a striker upfront is no secret. The Gunners have been linked with a host of names to fill up the position left by new Manchester United signing Alexis Sanchez. This time the name comes in the form of Real Madrid’s No.9 Karim Benzema.
Arsene Wenger has been on the tail of the French striker for a number of years now and it seems he could finally get his man to Arsenal. If reports are to be believed, Benzema already has an agreement with Wenger and would move to the Emirates, although it remains unclear if it would be in January.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and have already signed Alexandre Lacazette back in the summer in a club record deal. Wenger would still take Benzema and feels Arsenal’s attack could benefit from his qualities.
Karim Benzema, on the other hand, has had a torrid season with Real Madrid, who trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by a massive 19-points. Benzema, despite his prolific goal return in all his seasons with Madrid, has only scored two goals in the league this term.
An increasingly difficult season has Real Madrid thinking of taking tough decisions on their squad for next season and Benzema is likely to get the boot at Real Madrid, as Florentino Perez looks to revamp his forward line with other renowned superstars.
The likes of Neymar and Harry Kane are linked to the European Champions in recent months. With many quarters believing a move for Neymar would not be impossible as well as landing Tottenham’s star man to replace many ageing stars at Real.
Benzema’s transfer at the end of the season could also come as a surprise to many, as the forward only signed a new contract in September of 2017. Madrid, due to this reason as well have placed a hefty price tag on Benzema – an asking price which Arsenal may baulk at.
Arsenal are reported to be willing to pay €40 million, but Madrid are asking for around €70 million for Benzema. The price could be a big problem for Wenger, especially for a player who is 30 years old and currently on a downward spiral.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Benzema could also be dependent on Aubameyang’s arrival in January, but a player like Benzema could add more quality to Arsene Wenger’s side.
