Arsenal are reportedly preparing a £40m bid to secure the services of Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema next summer despite the recent signing of Spanish striker Lucas Perez.
Spanish publication Merca Futbol have claimed that Arsenal are eyeing a move for Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema next summer. A potential transfer depends entirely on the final outcome of Real Madrid’s transfer ban — it is likely to collapse if Los Blancos are unable to overturn FIFA’s decision.
Arsenal had been linked to the French striker throughout the summer transfer window and it is believed that Arsene Wenger still sees the 28-year-old as the perfect fit for the number 9 role at the club.
The Gunners have secured the transfer of Lucas Perez from La Liga club Deportivo La Coruna, but Wenger has chosen to deploy Alexis Sanchez as a forward at most times this season. However, the French manager still seems to be unhappy with his attacking options.
While Alexis Sanchez’s future at the club is uncertain with talks over a new contract reaching an impasse due to the Chilean’s demands for a minimum release clause to be included as part of the new contract, doubts still remain over Olivier Giroud’s ability to lead the Gunners front line.
Lucas Perez, on the other hand, is yet to settle into the club setup and prove to Arsenal and Wenger that another striker is not needed to be added to the squad. Apart from the transfer ban, the move also hinges on Benzema’s willingness to leave the Santiago Bernabeu, where he is the first-choice striker at the moment.
The 28-year-old’s current contract expires in 2019 and as per Merca Futbol, Los Blancos have scheduled a meeting with the player’s agent to discuss the details regarding an extension to the current deal.
Arsene Wenger and Arsenal’s negotiators may be able to convince the French international to join the Gunners’ project, but Real Madrid are unlikely to let Benzema given their inability to sign a replacement in the wake of their transfer ban.
