According to reports from The Express yesterday evening, Arsenal are biding their time as they pursue Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
The 27 year-old boasts 133 goals in 281 appearances for the Bernabeu outfit, helping them claim a La Liga title, a Champions League title and two Copa del Reys during since arriving in the Spanish capital from Lyon in summer 2009.
The recent appointment of Rafa Benitez, however, could see the France international’s spell with the La Liga giants come to an abrupt end. As This Is Futbol revealed earlier this month, the former Chelsea and Liverpool manager intends to utilise Cristiano Ronaldo as his first-choice centre-forward next season, leaving Benzema in reserve.
That’s already caught the attention of Manchester United, who reportedly proposed Benzema be included in Real Madrid’s bid for PFA Player of the Year nominated No.1 David De Gea last week, whilst Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger recently refused to rule out a summer swoop for the 6 foot 2 striker.
And according to The Express, who cite Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, the Gunners have now decided upon a strategy to bring Benzema to the Emirates. Whilst the Red Devils have made their interest well-known, Arsenal will bide their time until it is clear how prominently the striker features in Benitez’ plans for next season.
Whether that means the north London outfit will wait until January to launch a bid remains to be seen.