Arsenal are set to make a £40m bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to reports.
Benzema has long been linked with a move to the Emirates, and The Sun reports Arsene Wenger is set to make a move for the French international as soon as Monday.
Real Madrid are reportedly willing to offload the 27-year-old, but are understood to be pushing for a fee upward of the £42.5m the Gunners paid for midfield star Mesut Ozil.
Metro on Tuesday reported Benzema wanted to remain the Bernabeu this season, but his future could depend on new manager Rafael Benitez.
The report suggests Benitez is considering playing Cristiano Ronaldo as a forward, meaning the former Lyon striker would drop to the bench and almost certainly see decreased playing time.
While the deal may not be completed before the beginning of the Premier League season, Benzema could become an August signing should he decide to exit the Bernabeu due to a lack of first team action.
It is understood Wenger will not be pushed into overspending for Benzema’s signature and is content to have Olivier Giroud lead the line yet again.
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