Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a new striker and recent reports have linked them with a move for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. This is not the first time the Frenchman has been linked with a move to the Emirates. The 27-year-old has been on Arsenala s radar since his Lyon days, but he moved to Real Madrid in 2009 and has established himself as at the Spanish club over the past six seasons.
Arsenal preparing A?40 million bid for Benzema: The Sun
Earlier today The Sun reported that Arsenal are lining up a whopping A?40 million bid for Benzema and that negotiations can start as early as next week. When it comes to transfer news, The Sun doesna t really have the reputation of being the most reliable source, but Arsene Wenger has now added fuel to the fire by refusing to rule out the possibility of this move; although he stated that it wona t happen immediately.
We dona t rule it out, also dona t guarantee we will sign: Wenger
a I dona t know where that story comes from, but that is not happening at the moment. I am happy with the squad we have. If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it.
a It depends whata s on the market. It is not easy, there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We dona t rule it out and [also] dona t guarantee we sign.
a [The title] is our target and we feel we have a chance in a very competitive league. We are not far away.a a The Arsenal manager was quoted as saying by the Guardian.
Not as unlikely as it might sound
Arsenal started their pre-season preparations on a positive note as they defeated Singapore Select XI earlier this week. Youngster Chuba Akpom scored a hat-trick and Arsene Wenger went on to claim that he wona t send Akpom on loan this season. This lead to a lot of cynicism from the Arsenal fans on social media, as they took it as a sign that the London club wona t buy a new striker this summer.
The fact remains that Arsenal do need reinforcement upfront, specially someone who can provide something different to what Olivier Giroud brings to the plate. They have been linked with Alexandre Lacazette earlier this summer, but Karim Benzema would be the perfect addition to the squad. The Frenchman has a good goal scoring record in Spain and he is equally good in build-up play.
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New Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez is believed to be keen to retain the former Lyon striker, but the Spanish club have sold important players in the past, on whim. Moreover some reports suggest that Benitez might opt to play Cristiano Ronaldo as a striker next season, and this could possible mean less game time for Benzema.
Arsene Wenger has pulled out some impressive rabbits from his hat over the past two seasons with the signing of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. The fans will hope for something similar this summer.