According to reports from The Express yesterday evening, Arsenal have seen a €45million bid for Karim Benzema rejected by current employers Real Madrid.
The 27 year-old boasts 133 goals in 281 appearances for the Bernabeu outfit – including 22 strikes across all competitions last season – and has claimed 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 his Bernabeu future in jeopardy, with the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss planning to utilise Cristiano Ronaldo as a lone centre-forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation next season – which would leave Benzema lingering on the subs bench.
>>> Keep up to date with ALL of the Premier League’s confirmed summer transfers <<<
The 6 foot 2 front-man has been mooted as a possible replacement for Robin van Persie at Manchester United, but Arsenal have proved the most proactive in courting his signature thus far.
Reports yesterday revealed Gunners gaffer Arsene Wenger has already phoned up the France international personally to propose a summer move to the Emirates and did not receive an outright ‘no’.
But according to reports from The Express yesterday evening, Arsenal have been knocked back in their pursuit of Benzema, with Los Blancos rejecting a €45million bid – which converts to just under £32million.
The source of the article is beIN sport correspondent Tancredi Palmeri, who tweeted yesterday afternoon; “It’s all true the Arsenal bid for Benzema: 45m€. Real Madrid was initially open to talk, but now they have stopped everything.”
Many had previously speculated Arsenal would have to wait until the end of the transfer window to sign Benzema, once his future in the Spanish capital had become more clear, and yesterday’s news suggests that could well be the case.
Wenger shouldn’t bother him self on singning a striker cz theo is willing to play on daw position. Let wenger give walcott a chance to prove till mid-season. 4 nw let him forcus on his defence!
It is a welcome development…wenger should nt just try but sign him Up. He is far an upgrade to Olivier G.
Wenger should not be blamed for not signing a sharp shorter striker.Most teams are not willing to sell thier good players.Thus why theyare exgerating the price.You cant say a player of 29 to 31 years is worth £66 million.For now let us do with the players we have.If we can get Dzeko for 13 -15 million pounds, its ok.If wishes were horses,we could have signed Aubumayang or Benzema.JOSEPH frm Kenya.