According to reports from The Daily Mail this afternoon, Real Madrid are willing to sell in-demand striker Karim Benzema this summer – but only if their £45million valuation is met.
The 27 year-old boasts 133 goals in 281 appearances for Los Blancos – 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 signing from Lyon in 2009.
But fresh managerial appointment Rafa Benitez plans to utilise Cristiano Ronaldo as a lone centre-forward next term, which could bring Benzema’s Bernabeu tenure to an abrupt end.
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That’s lead to rumoured interest from Manchester United, whilst Arsenal are believed to have already seen a £32million bid rejected.
Publicly, Benitez has insisted the France international won’t be sold this summer, whilst agent Karim Djaziri claims he’s ‘1000%’ certain to stay with the former European champions.
But The Daily Mail see the situation a little differently; believing the 6 foot 2 front-man’s fate could be out of Benitez’ hands and down to the club’s hierarchy – particularly president Florentino Perez.
The British tabloid claim Real Madrid are prepared to sell Benzema this summer should their £45million valuation be met, which would eclipse the £42.2million club-record fee Arsenal paid for Mesut Ozil two summers ago. Los Blancos have one eye on Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus and Benzema’s departure would help them finance a formal bid.
Should the move go ahead however, The Mail predict it will likely happen in the final days of the summer window.
I will like dis business 2 happen as soon as possible if we want to win d premier league
i wish this transfer window closes tomoro. its givin me endles hedaches. benzema, kane, gotze…. gaitan, pedro….. lvg get us pedro ans either kane or benzema. and dont forget a strong, tall, cool cb to accompany smalling. game shot