Summer transfer window is here and we are coming across one of the most customary rumours yet again. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Karim Benzema. And we don’t think this gossip would get an overhyped death yet again. Reportedly, Arsene Wenger is eyeing a move for the French international if Alexis Sanchez does leave in the next few weeks.
Despite bringing in Alexandre Lacazette from AS Lyon a few weeks back, Arsenal are yet to become a complete attacking side as evident in their pre-season tour of far. Of course, the unavailability of Alexis Sanchez is a big reason for that and Arsenal fans from all around the world would hope the Chilean stays. But the Chilean has started giving enough hints about his unwillingness to stay with the Gunners and no matter how many times Arsene Wenger states against it, holding onto him could be detrimental to the club.
Arsenal bagged the all unimportant International Champions Cup on Thursday as they defeated Bayern Munich on penalties. Wenger’s front three had Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil in the attacking midfielder role with Lacazette leading the attack, and it had to be second-half substitute Alex Iwobi to get the equaliser at last.
The position of the left playmaker remains a huge concern for Arsenal now with Sanchez’s uncertainty hanging as a sword over their head. Benzema has played long enough on that left side role at Real Madrid and his phenomenal link up play makes him a brilliant choice for Arsenal.
The 29-year-old is fast approaching the end of his career, or at least the end of his Real stint as the La Liga giants have already started looking at long-term solutions at the club. His contract with the club expires in 2019 and Real are highly unlikely to extend it. However, Wenger believes he still has a good three years at his peak and Arsenal could use the maximum of it.
And given that he is just a year older than Sanchez, Arsenal won’t be taking a huge risk in making a move either. While they both play very different football, their goal scoring prowess remains quite the same. Sanchez might be superior for his versatility in the attacking third, but Benzema’s sublime scoring and movements make him a desirable option for any side.
It is difficult to assume if Real would want to part ways with him at the moment, especially with Alvaro Morata sealing a move to Chelsea. However, if Paris Saint-Germain comes for the Chilean, which they want to as per reports, Arsenal are expected to let him go and move for Benzema.
