Transfer window speculation is now in full flow and reports are suggesting that Arsenal are once again in the hunt for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. With one year left on his contract at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid are deciding whether or not they will offer him a new deal, and could let him leave for around £30million.
Speculation on Luis Suarez’s future at Liverpool could prove to be the deciding factor on whether or not Benzema will be sold, and the Uruguayan international hasn’t ruled out a move abroad. When questioned about a possible move away from Anfield, Suarez said: “My head now is focused on the World Cup. I had a very good season with Liverpool but now I am focused on the World Cup.”
Madrid are reportedly preparing an initial offer of £70million to prise Suarez away from Liverpool and link him up with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Isco.
Although it is likely that Liverpool will demand a lot more than £70million for arguably the worlds best striker, Madrid do not hesitate when it comes to big money signings. If Suarez were allowed to leave, it would open the door for Benzema to move to Arsenal.
He would be a brilliant addition to the Arsenal front line, which at the moment is lacking firepower. With 17 goals in 34 La Liga appearances and a further 5 goals in 10 Champions League games, he would be welcomed in to the Arsenal dressing room.
These reports of Benzema moving to North London are also surrounded by talk of Carlos Vela making a return to the Gunners. According to a number of newspapers, Arsène Wenger has activated the £3million buy-back clause in his contract at Real Sociedad. The Mexican striker has enjoyed a fantastic season with the Spanish outlet, grabbing 20 goals and 13 assists.
Given the minimal fee that Arsène would have to stump up for Vela, it wouldn’t be surprising if he opted to sign both him and Benzema. It has become clear this season that one striker isn’t enough to challenge for the Premier League title. Manchester City and Liverpool have proven that. City themselves boasted a strike force of Sergio Aguëro, Álvaro Negredo, Edin Džeko and Stevan Jovetić, and their final tally of 102 Premier League goals shows the importance of attacking options.
If Arsenal lined up next season with Olivier Giroud, Karim Benzema and Carlos Vela all available to play, their chances of challenging for the league would increase significantly.
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Photo via Jan S0L0