Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Karim Benzema, after news broke that a deal could still be completed.
According to leading European football journalist, Graham Hunter, Arsenal fans should expect a potentially huge development with regards to bringing Benzema to the Emirates.
The 27-year-old has been outlined as Arsene Wenger’s main transfer target this summer, having made a name for himself following another impressive season in La Liga.
His 15 goals in Spain’s top division weren’t enough to land them the title during the 2014/15 campaign, but he still managed to shine amongst Europe’s top names.
And despite the statement of intent laid down by Benzema’s agent, who insists his client is going nowhere, there is now another update on the French international’s future.
Hunter brought the latest news on the strikers situation during an interview with talkSport today, and it provides some much-needed hope for Gunners fans;
Arsenal have the money and Real Madrid need the money. They are 500million euros in global debt.
They are trying to buy David de Gea and won’t go the extra mile to get him off Manchester United because of the cash, so they need the money.
And because Rafa Benitez will play 4-2-3-1 there is one less place for an attacking player than there was last season.
It is a doable deal, but it won’t happen unless Benzema says to Real Madrid: ‘I want to go to Arsenal’.
So once again the hopes of Arsenal welcoming a fresh face depend on the transfer merry-go-round that we have witnessed before with Mesut Ozil.
It’s no secret that Real Madrid are after the world-class shot-stopper that is David de Gea, and Benitez will now have to make a decision on who should be the priority position to maintain.
The former Inter Milan manager is under intense pressure to hit the ground running at Madrid, and making De Gea his first big signing would convince the fans he means business.
But it seems in order for that to happen, they have to raise the funds so desperately needed to match Manchester United’s steep valuation of over £40million.
And that’s where Benzema and Arsenal step in, with the Gunners prepared to break their transfer record books to land the striker, who has been at Madrid since 2009.
Did You See: Arsenal Winger Set To Sign For Premier League Club
The back-to-back FA Cup winners must now make an approachable first offer to tempt Madrid into the deal, which can then spring the talks with United over the sale of De Gea.
That offer may have something to do with the recent benchmark laid down by Arsenal’s Lord Harris, who recently announced the club have nearly £200million to work with.
There is no doubt that Arsenal are after a top class name, and Benzema ticks every box when it comes to what they need to mount a serious title challenge in the upcoming season.
The recent confirmation of Chuba Akpom’s loan switch to Hull City will also prove to be good news, as it suggests Wenger is opening up a slot for a new leading man.
Olivier Giroud is currently the Gunners only recognised centre forward in the first team squad, and has previously stated he would relish the chance to compete with a top name like his fellow French teammate.
Like us on Facebook by clicking here and follow us on Twitter @Fresh_Arsenal to stay up to date with all the news, blogs and transfer updates. You can now follow our new Instagram page here.