Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been tracking the career of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for many years, and has a feeling that as the Spanish giants are perhaps looking to recuperate some of the money they have spent for Gareth Bale that there is a chance that Madrid may be willing to sell the French international.
Arsenal have so far been unable to land a single player this transfer season, after having their bids either reject or being beaten out by other teams to the extent that Arsenal fans worry that Wenger will be unable to land that all important striker that the Gunners need.
At only 25-years old Benzema fits the profile of what Arsenal are looking for in a front man, confident of scoring goals while being able to also hold the ball and bring others into play.
This would be crucial in the 4-2-3-1 system that the Gunners like to play, with Wenger in effect looking to replace Robin van Persie who he probably wished they had never sold to Manchester United.
Real are aware that Luis Suarez would be interested in a move to the Spanish capital, and might be willing to let Benzema leave if they know they can get Suarez for around the same price, which is something that would suit Liverpool as they would rather sell their star striker to a club abroad rather than to one they are competing with in the Premiership.
Benzema is in the last two years of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, and is due to open up negotiations over an extension something Wenger will be very much aware of.
Following Arsenals victory last night in Istanbul over Fenerbahce Wenger said:
“It is true that one bid for a striker did not work [Suárez], that took a long time,” he said. “We have to wake up from that time now. I’m confident. Don’t forget that with financial fair play we’re limited with wages, too.”
Wenger seems to value everyone the gunners go after millions less than the market is fetching and unless he steps up and makes a realistic offer Arsenal could well find themselves without any new signings.
