According to Spanish news outlet, Diario Gol, Real Madrid would not mind exchanging the services of Karim Benzema for Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin. Both the sides were earlier linked with the respective players and the swap deal could fall through if the circumstances line up.
Bellerin is undergoing a poor spell along with the rest of his teammates in an Arsenal shirt. He missed the last 2 fixtures due to injury including the 0-2 loss to AC Milan last night.
Disappointed not to be fit for tonight and help the boys in a massive game for us. Been carrying this injury for a while but hoping to recover soon. #COYG pic.twitter.com/ji3XV0nZtr
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) March 8, 2018
Bellerin’s obligation to the Gunners is set to run until the summer of 2023 and Arsene Wenger would be hesitant to let go of the Spaniard especially without a quality replacement option. Alex Maitland-Niles is more of an offensive player who has been utilised on the left-wing-back position on a few occasions but the 20-year-old still has ways to go before he can feature on a regular basis.
Bellerin arrived in North London in the summer of 2011 and signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in July 2013. He worked his way through the youth ranks to flourish for the senior team after spending a season out on loan to Watford.
Bacary Sagna’s exit to Manchester City put Wenger on the spot with Karl Jenkinson struggling to match the standards of the Premier League. Bellerin met the challenge head-on and ever since has been the first choice to appear in the backline and has racked up 147 appearances so far.
At the same time, Benzema has also not been his best self this season with the striker falling out of favour with the fans and club president, Florentino Perez. Zinedine Zidane still prefers the Frenchman due to a lack of quality second options but Benzema has struggled to return the favour.
Even in the midweek 1-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain, the 30-year-old failed to find the back of the net despite getting 2 open chances, one-on-one with the keeper. He has managed a meagre tally of 8 goals this season, which is woeful compared to his own standards
In the midst of an attacking replacement for the departing Alexis Sanchez, Benzema was heavily linked with the Arsene Wenger’s team in the January transfer window. However, the transfer never materialized and Arsenal prioritized the move of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
With Alexandre Lacazette struggling to find his feet in the English game, Benzema’s case can still be considered by Wenger. The former French international can play in a similar supporting role to Aubameyang as he does with Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
However, even with all parties considered, it would only be foolish for Wenger to let go of a player whose replacement he currently does not have in order to bring in the player who could be a surplus to his requirements.
