According to reports from talkSPORT this afternoon, ex-Manchester City forward Rodney Marsh has claimed Arsenal are about to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in a £48million deal.
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 2009.
But Rafa Benitez plans to utilise Cristiano Ronaldo as a lone centre-forward this sseason in his new 4-2-3-1 formation, which has put Benzema’s future in doubt.
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Indeed, 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.
But according to Rodney Marsh, who reached the League Cup final with Manchester City in 1974, the Bernabeu outfit have now accepted an Arsenal bid of £48million.
He told talkSPORT today; “I had a phone call from a mate of mine, and he’s been right on many things, and he said that he believes Real Madrid have accepted a bid somewhere in the region of £48million for Benzema from Arsenal.”
Admittedly, Marsh isn’t the most convincing of sources but his claims do correspond with reports earlier this summer – particularly that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would sanction the France international’s departure for a £45million fee.