Arsenal are in talks with Real Madrid for Karim Benzema, but the Gunners are so far reluctant to meet the Spanish sides asking price.
It is understood that Arsenal have approached Real Madrid and have not been completely discouraged in their pursuit of Benzema.
Arsene Wenger is desperate to sign the forward, but Madrid at the moment are asking for a ridiculous amount. From what we gather, they have set a £60million asking price for the player who turns 28 this season. Although the Gunners are happy to break their transfer record for the Frenchman – they will not be held to ransom and definitely will not pay such a high amount.
It is believed that Arsenal are willing to pay £45million, an amount that would break the £42.5million club record fee that we paid for Mesut Ozil.
Arsenal seem confident that Madrid will drop their demands later in the window, as the Spanish club do have debt – and Benzema’s role in the squad next season has come under question.
Benzema is happy to stay in Madrid unless he is asked to do otherwise. So far the Spanish club are yet to make clear their intentions – but if he were to leave then it appears Arsenal would be his destination.
For now though, no new signings are on the horizon and the fans will have to focus on offering support to the current crop of players ahead of a tricky looking away tie against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Arsenal are also eyeing a move for a new midfielder, with a £22million bid for Gregz Krychowiak being considered. Mathieu Flamini has been told he can leave the club to make room for a new midfield arrival.
We might have to wait right up until deadline day for this saga to end completely, but if it does come off, then it will certainly be worth the wait.