According to reports from The Express this morning, Real Madrid will only sell in-demand striker Karim Benzema if he asks to leave the Bernabeu.
The 27 year-old boasts 133 goals in 281 appearances for Los Blancos and has claimed a La Liga title, a Champions League title and two Copa del Reys since signing from Lyon in 2009.
But news of Rafa Benitez’ plans to utilise Cristiano Ronaldo as a lone centre-forward next term has lead to rumoured interest from Manchester United and an alleged £32million bid from Arsenal, which was swiftly rejected.
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Despite the Bernabeu boss recently insisting otherwise, reports yesterday claimed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would be willing to part with the France international for around £45million.
La Liga expert Graham Hunter, however, has a slightly different take on the situation. He believes Los Blancos are in need of the money to fund a move for Manchester United’s David De Gea – but will only sell if Benzema actively requests to leave the club.
As quoted by The Express, he told talkSPORT; “Arsenal have the money and Real Madrid need the money. They are 500million euros in global debt.
“They are trying to buy David De Gea and won’t go the extra mile to get him off Manchester United because of the cash, so they need the money. And because Rafa Benitez will play 4-2-3-1 there is one less place for an attacking player than there was last season.
“It is a doable deal, but it won’t happen unless Benzema says to Real Madrid: ‘I want to go to Arsenal’.”