Real Madrid are reportedly ready to sell Karim Benzema, who is attracting interest from Arsenal, for €70 million this summer
Spanish publication Diario Gol have reported that Karim Benzema could be on his way out of Real Madrid this summer, with Los Blancos prepared to replace him with Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman is the subject of interest from Arsenal, and will cost at least €70 million.
Benzema joined Real Madrid from boyhood club Lyon in the summer of 2009, when he was regarded as one of the most promising young strikers in the game. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength in the Spanish capital, largely fulfilling his undoubted potential to now by rated among the best strikers in the world.
In fact, the Frenchman has been one of the cornerstones of Real Madrid’s success in recent years, having forged a formidable front trio – the BBC – alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, grabbing goals at will.
Benzema boasts an incredible record for Los Blancos, having bagged 181 goals and 103 assists in over 350 appearances for the side. However, 2016/17 turned out to be a largely sub par season for the player, as he managed to find the back of the net just 19 times in 48 outings – an underwhelming return for his talents.
His place has, thus, been questioned by a section of Real Madrid supporters that is known to voice their concerns all too often. On top of that, Benzema is one of the few first-team regulars who is yet to be offered a new deal by Real Madrid, although he still has two years remaining on his current contract.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, seem to be preparing for life after Benzema as they are in hot pursuit of AS Monaco wonderkid, Kylian Mbappe. The Spanish and European champions are believed to be preparing an offer for the teenage prodigy that will shatter the world record transfer fee.
And so, it is likely that Benzema could lose his place in Zinedine Zidane’s first-team setup, meaning he could be set to call time on his stint with Real Madrid this summer. The club that looks the likeliest to land him are Arsenal.
The Gunners are resigned to losing Alexis Sanchez this summer, with the Chilean desperate to play in the Champions League next season. With last season’s top scorer set to depart from the Emirates, Arsene Wenger is in search of a top class striker to add to his squad.
While he has already signed Alexandre Lacazette this summer, Sanchez’s void will need to be filled by another attacking player, making Benzema a viable target. The Frenchman’s hold up play makes him an ideal fit in Arsene Wenger’s system, and a move could well be on the cards.
Arsenal, though, will have to shell out €70 million to secure his services. It will be interesting to see if the North London club are willing to spend the aforementioned figure for Benzema. The veteran striker’s exit, however, hinges largely on Mbappe’s arrival at the Bernabeu, and it remains to be seen if they are able to land the talented teenager.
