Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is looking to offload striker Karim Benzema, and he could be offered to Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea
Spanish publication Diario Gol claim that Perez is intent on offloading the French striker, with negotiations ongoing with French giants PSG. However, Benzema’s association with their rivals Olympique Lyon could derail the deal, and in that case, Perez is prepared to offer him to Arsenal or Chelsea.
The two Premier League giants have been linked with a move for Benzema before, and would be boosted by the news that Real Madrid are looking to let him go as soon as possible. The 29-year-old striker has been one of the key figures at Real since arriving from Olympique Lyon in 2009.
However, the striker hasn’t been at his best this season, scoring just five goals in 12 La Liga starts. The fact that he has also been at the heart of scandal and the return of academy product Alvaro Morata, who has one more goal than Benzema this season, has seen his stock at the Bernabeu fall even further.
The 29-year-old is valued at €60 million by transfermarkt, a price that suitors wouldn’t be too alarmed by, especially considering the quality and talent the French striker possesses.
The striker could very easily fit into the plans of either Arsenal or Chelsea. There is already a dearth of quality strikers in the Premier League, and both the London outfits are dealing with some problems in that position.
The Gunners signed Spaniard Lucas Perez last summer, but he is still playing second fiddle to the oft criticized Olivier Giroud. In fact, winger Alexis Sanchez has had the most success playing in the central striker role. However his success over the course of the season, combined with Giroud’s recent form, means that Arsenal aren’t as desperate for another forward as they once were.
In fact, manager Arsene Wenger has already dismissed reports of a possible move for Benzema. However, he did say that he isn’t worrying about the summer window at the moment, possibly leaving the door open to a summer move for the Real Madrid man.
On the other hand, Chelsea could do with some reinforcements to their strike force. It all seemed rosy with Diego Costa firing them to the top of the Premier League table, but the Spaniard has since had a bust-up with Antonio Conte and his future at Stamford Bridge looks set to be a short one.
The only back-up that the Blues have is recent signing Michy Batshuayi. The young Belgian looks promising, but still hasn’t had a prolonged run in the first team and is sorely lacking in match experience.
Karim Benzema would be the perfect solution to the Blues problems, should Costa leave. The 29-year-old striker is one of the best around, which is often overlooked because he is flanked by the duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
It remains to be seen if he joins either of the two London outfits, but one thing is for sure, Benzema would surely be a lethal addition to the Premier League should he decide to take the plunge.