Real Madrid could be ready to sell Arsenal transfer target Karim Benzema, after reports emerged that they are looking to fund a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus.
Madrid love to make an annual big signing and under Rafael Benitez they are yet to secure one. The David de Gea trail has gone cold and any attempt to sign Sergio Aguero looks like it will be blocked by Manchester City. Next in their sights is Reus, according to reports in Spain.
The reports extend to suggesting that Madrid’s pursuit of Reus could see them cash in on Benzema. Benitez is reportedly not the French strikers biggest fan – he may play Cristiano Ronaldo as a number 9, with Reus perhaps out wide.
Benzema, who turns 28 this year will not want to sit on the bench at this stage of his career and he has already spoken to Arsene Wenger about a move to The Emirates.
Reports suggest Arsenal are willing to pay €45million (£31.5million) for Benzema and Dortmund are asking for €90million (£63million) for Reus. Madrid would probably not hesitate too much in spending that much on Reus, a player who definitely would qualify as a ‘big name’ signing, even with Madrid’s standards.
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If this situation does evolve then Arsenal may have to wait until late in the window. Much like Madrid’s pursuit of Gareth Bale, they take their time but more often than not, they will pay up. If we can swoop for Benzema like we did for Ozil on deadline day again, then I will be over the moon.
Whilst some would say Arsenal 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 used more regularly on the flanks.
Is Benzema the only missing ingredient in our title chasing squad? Comment with your thoughts below.