Karim Benzema has been in talks with Arsene Wenger and has not currently ruled out a move to the Emirates this summer, a reliable source has confirmed.
Benzema is Wenger’s number one transfer target now that Petr Cech has been signed. The Real Madrid striker has told Wenger he will consider a move to the Emirates if Rafael Benitez makes it clear he will not be a starter next season. There have been suggestions from Spain that Cristiano Ronaldo or even Gareth Bale could lead a one man attack under Benitez – leaving Benzema as a back up option.
There has also been suggestions that Madrid may pursue a move for Sergio Aguero. The Argentinian’s arrival would then trigger Benzema’s availability, but it could happen late in the window – take the Gareth Bale – Mesut Ozil situation of 2013. Arsenal will surely have to wait until the season has kicked off, and see if Benzema is content with the role he gets.
Benzema, 27 will not want to play second fiddle for anyone and would be an expensive asset for Madrid to own as a back up. There are suggestions that he could be moved on and a back up striker brought in.
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It’s worth the wait if we get him though. Whilst some would say Arsenal defnitely need to sign a striker, there’s no point in signing one if they are not better than what we have currently. Obviously Benzema is, but how many others that are available are? I can’t really think of one. If we don’t sign one then Chuba Akpom, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck can compete with Olivier Giroud for the central role. If we did sign Benzema then I’d like to see Akpom loaned out and Welbeck and Walcott more regularly used on the wing.
What’s clear is that Arsenal are clearing the decks for one or two arrivals. Mathieu Flamini is set to join Galatasaray, and he would follow the likes of Lukas Podolski and Abou Diaby plus Carl Jenkinson and Yaya Sanogo (loans) out the door this summer. Joel Campbell is also closing in on a move away from the club, with Real Sociedad, Besiktas and Crystal Palace amongst those interested in the Costa Rican forward.
If we can sell Flamini and Campbell and sign Benzema and another holding midfielder, combine that with the current cohesion and confidence in this squad and you wouldn’t be silly to anticipate a major trophy for the club next season.
The source of this latest Benzema development is once again El Confidencial – the Spanish outlet have consistently proven to be a quality and reliable source when it comes to transfers – so keep your eyes on this one.