It has been frustrating writing about Arsenal’s transfer activity over the last couple of years. Yes, we signed Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez, but we remained a couple of players short of a team ready to win the Premier League.
The possibility of winning the league over the last two seasons crossed the minds of a lot of fans following the arrivals of two world-class players, but realistically, it was false optimism.
Now, though, we most certainly are on the cusp of winning our first Premier League trophy since the era of the Invincibles. Ideally, we need two more additions. A top defensive midfielder to both aid and develop Francis Coquelin, and a striker to add firepower to our front line.
There has been a lot of talk about João Moutinho becoming available in the last couple of days. The versatile midfielder, who can operate in both a forward and a defensive role, would be an ideal addition alongside Coquelin, who can’t be expected to play every minute of every game.
Now for the story everyone is talking about, Karim Benzema. When rumours like this appear in newspapers, they are usually cast aside as speculative nonsense, but this one isn’t going away.
In the last week it has been reported that Arsène Wenger has been in contact with Madrid and/or the player to discuss a move, had a bid of £31million rejected, and is readying a second bid of £45million to try and prise the French international away from the Bernabeu.
There could be truth in it, but the list of potential complications is exhaustive. There is a lack of top quality strikers available to buy this summer. Alexandre Lacazette has recently reaffirmed his intention to stay at Lyon, and Liverpool have just had to fork out £32.5million to sign Christian Benteke; A good addition, but an expensive one.
Even if Benzema was willing to swap Madrid for London, it remains to be seen whether Rafa Benitez would be willing to sell him. Any move involving Benzema to Arsenal would surely hinge on Madrid being able to sign a suitable replacement, and who would be available to fill that void? Sergio Aguëro? Unlikely.
Another big stumbling block is likely to be the fee. The last two transfer windows have shown that Arsène isn’t afraid to spend money, but given the lack of top strikers available, Madrid could charge any amount of money for Benzema.
On that note, Benzema’s willingness to join Arsenal would have to be considered. If he did fancy the move, he would be more likely to push it through, meaning the fee might drop.
Let’s imagine though, for a minute, that Arsenal and Madrid have come to an agreement and Benzema is only a couple of weeks away from his Arsenal debut against Chelsea in the Community Shield. Could he fire Arsenal to Premier League glory?
Yes, he could. During his time at Madrid, in all competitions, Benzema has made 350 appearances for club and country, scoring 157 goals and racking up 81 assists.
It could be argued that, at Madrid, Benzema has had world-class players constantly feeding him balls and linking up with him. However, things at Arsenal nowadays aren’t so bad, and one of those players who once assisted Benzema at Madrid, is now a Gooner.
If Benzema were to line up for Arsenal, he would have the all-round ability of Alexis, the pace of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the pinpoint passing of Özil and the majesty of Santi Cazorla to give him the chances he’d need to hot 30 goals in a season.
Add that to Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey offering their services and Arsenal’s attack must be regarded as one of the best in Europe.
Signing Karim Benzema would take Arsenal from being guaranteed top four finishers in the Premier League, to being a genuine threat for titles both domestically and in Europe.
So, go on Arsène, give him a call.
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