Arsenal bosses are reportedly willing to make Karim Benzema the club’s top earner in an attempt to lure him from Real Madrid this summer.
The Gunners do not currently have a no.9 in their squad, having disposed of Germany forward Lukas Podolski recently.
Having signed legendary Chelsea goalkeeper, the Emirates Stadium side look close to having what it take to mount a serious title challenge. All that seems to be missing is a world class centre forward.
Benzema certainly fits the bill. The 27-year-old Frenchman has scored 87 goals in 174 La Liga appearances – many of which came as a substitute. He has also netted 25 times at senior international level.
The Daily Mail suggest that Benzema could well be headed to North London.
According to the British newspaper, manager Arsene Wenger has been “given the all clear” to break Arsenal’s transfer record, which currently belongs to midfielder Mesut Ozil, who the Mail claim cost £42.5m when he joined from Real in 2013.
The Mail say that Madrid are reluctant to sell Benzema, adding that the La Liga giants have already rejected a bid from the Gunnners.
However, the 2014 Champions League winners could be tempted to do business if Arsenal were to pay mega money.
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As well as convincing Real to sell, Arsenal would have to persuade Benzema to leave a club who have been champions of Europe 10 times to join a side who have never conquered the continent.
The Mail says that Arsenal are prepared to offer Benzema £150,000 per week in wages, which is reportedly £10,000 more than top-earner Ozil’s seven-day pay.
Benzema was not Real’s leading scorer last season. He bagged 15 in La Liga, while, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale netted 13 each, and Cristiano Ronaldo whacked in an outrageous 48.
Despite Real’s ability to find goals from various sources, they would likely want to replace Benzema should he depart for Arsenal.
The Mail say Manchester City hitman Sergio Aguero is Real’s top target, but the Argentina star is not for sale.
Benzema has never played in England, but he proved last season that he can handle British opposition by scoring three goals in two games against Liverpool in the Champions League.
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