Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reportedly held lengthy talks with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzemaon Monday.
The Gunners have apparently offered Real €70m for the 27-year-old forward, giving them a very real chance of signing him this summer.
However, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have recently emerged as rivals for Benzema’s signature.
Although City or Bayern are yet to make a bid for Benzema, Wenger is concerned by their potential to hijack Arsenal’s move for the 25-goal France international.
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According to ESPN reporter Jeinny Lizarazo, Wenger spoke to Benzema on Monday, urging him to choose Arsenal.
Wenger’s main argument was that Benzema would be guaranteed to be a key player at the Emirates Stadium – a status that he would not be sure of getting at Bayern or City.
However, Benzema seems keen to hear what all of his prospective managers have to say before he makes a decision.
Lizarazo explained the situation on Twitter. Check out her tweets below.
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Reports today about a hold up..whispers about Benzema having last minute second thoughts..trying to find out if true https://t.co/tdSUldSXD5
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
It’s going to be a rough day 4 me…just confirmed to me Benzema wants to see all his options…Manchester City AND Bayern are now involved
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
I just woke up an hour ago…so I’m trying to catch up and get every last detail…
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
Ok…here it goes…about latest Benzema news told to me…last night Bayern coach Guardiola talks to him saying they are interested…
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
What @tancredipalmeri said is true about Manchester City but NO official bid yet has reached the office…same with Bayern ONLY Arsenal
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
As for Benzema…this is difficult emotionally for him…he wants best opportunity for titles…it’s now between the 3 teams
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
I know Arsenal fans are going to go crazy…and they should…but this is real life…with real emotions…this is football
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
I know Arsenal fans are going to go crazy…and they should…but this is real life…with real emotions…this is football
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
My advice to Benzema is about life…NOT football…play where you will be HAPPY…not for MONEY…not for PRIDE…enjoy this time you have
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
I will do the best I can to inform everybody as it happens..but these players are human..no different than you and I…its not easy for them
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
UPDATE: After Wenger found out about Guardiola’s call..he called and spoke to Benzema “in length” today about his importance to the club..
— Jeinny Lizarazo (@Jeinnylizarazo) August 10, 2015
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