Arsenal could reportedly get their hands on Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in the summer following his decision to part ways with the European champions.
The France international has never been a fan favourite at the Bernabeu, and he is now said to be frustrated with the continuous criticism from the club’s faithful.
Benzema has managed just 17 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid to date, but Zinedine Zidane still appears to prefer his compatriot as he believes he brings more than just goals to the setup.
According to The Express, via Don Balon, the 29-year-old has signaled his interest to look for a fresh club as he is always made the scapegoat for Los Blancos’ poor showings.
Arsene Wenger’s side have long been interested in a deal for the experienced Frenchman, and it is understood that they could revive their interest with a view to a major squad rebuild in the summer.
In spite of this, Benzema will not come on the cheap in the summer with Los Blancos likely to demand a £50m sum at the least in order to let go of their leading marksman.
League rivals Manchester United are also understood to be in the hunt for Benzema, who could be offered in a part-exchange deal for goalkeeper David de Gea this summer.
Benzema has netted nearly a goal in every other game for Real Madrid since arriving from French club Lyon in the summer of 2009.
He is currently out of the reckoning for the national team with Didier Deschamps yet to recall him to his squad since his involvement in the Mathieu Valbuena extortion case last year.
