According to an exclusive from The Daily Star yesterday evening, Real Madrid are prepared to sell star striker Karim Benzema to Arsenal for £50million.
The 27 year-old boasts 133 goals in 281 appearances for Los Blancos, helping fire them to a La Liga title, the 2014 Champions League title and two Copa del Reys since signing from Lyon in summer in 2009.
But Rafa Benitez plans to utilise three-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo as a lone centre-forward this season, which has put Benzema’s future in doubt.
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He’s been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United for much of the summer, with some sources claiming the Emirates outfit have already seen a £32million bid rejected, and if the Gunners are to sign anybody in the final week of the transfer window, the common consensus is that it will be the France international.
According to The Daily Star, that will require a £50million bid; meeting Real Madrid’s valuation of Benzema and proving his importance to Arsenal as their new club record signing.
The British tabloid claim the 6 foot 2 front-man is ‘seriously considering’ a move the Emirates and quote an insider as saying; “It’s up to Arsenal to fight for Karim with a big offer. Then he could be their player in this window.”
However, The Star also allege that Manchester United could look to hijack any deal in the final hour amid their arduous search for added firepower, having missed out on now-Chelsea star Pedro last week.