Arsenal are reportedly prepared to lure long-term target Karim Benzema from Real Madrid during this summer’s transfer window, Spanish outlet Don Balon claims.
The France international, who has been constantly linked with a move to the Emirates, has often received negative remarks from the club’s faithful due to his style of play.
While Benzema remains an integral part of Zinedine Zidane’s side, the 29-year-old is not entirely happy with the club’s ongoing pursuit of a fresh striker.
The European champions have been in contact with representatives of several top-class marksmen in Europe, and this has sort of unsettled the Frenchman prior to the close of the season.
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, the Gunners could retain their interest in Benzema, who has been on Arsene Wenger’s radar since his time at former club Lyon.
The north London giants are uncertain about the future of Alexis Sanchez, whose contract is due to expire in the summer, and this could see them move in for Benzema as a potential replacement for the Chilean.
Sanchez has provided 22 goals and 14 assists for the FA Cup semi-finalists during the campaign, and his reluctance to ink a fresh contract could urge the club to cash in on his services in the summer.
Meanwhile, Don Balon suggests that the Gunners’ hierarchy would be willing to double Benzema’s wages of £150,000-a-week in order to bring him to the Emirates during the off-season.
Benzema is currently contracted to Real Madrid until the summer of 2019, and the Gunners will have to cough up a club-record fee of around £50.8m – a sum which could be easily recouped from the sale of contract rebel Sanchez.
