According to reports from The Express this morning, Arsenal will leave it late in the race to sign Real Madrid star 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 since arriving in the Spanish capital from Lyon in summer 2009.
But the recent appointment of Rafa Benitez has put the France international’s Bernabeu career in doubt, with the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss intending to utilise three-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo as a centre-forward next season.
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Manchester United were linked to the 6 foot 2 striker in June whilst reports last Friday claimed Arsene Wenger had called him up personally to discuss a summer move to the Emirates.
But according to The Express, the north London outfit are keen to wait and see how Benzema’s situation unfolds before making a formal offer.
Benitez intends to trial his new formation – with Ronaldo as the spearhead – during pre-season, so the French front-man’s fate may still not be decided until near the end of the transfer window. Should he be deemed surplus to requirements, Arsenal will launch a £35million bid.