It is no secret that Arsenal have failed to tie down their prized asset Alexis Sanchez to a new contract and come the end of this 2017-18 season, he will finish his contract and will be free to move to any club of his choice as a free agent. Despite the fear of losing such an asset on a free transfer, in a surprising turn of events, Wenger has chosen to not move the player on but to keep him for another season to help Arsenal win silverware.
Latest reports coming out of The Emirates claim that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is planning a move for Real Madrid star Karim Benzema. The 29-year old French forward has been long coveted by the Gunners’ boss but a move for the striker has never materialized.
Benzema signed for the Galacticos in the summer of 2009 and has gone on to score 182 goals and register 104 assists in his 371 appearances for the club. His illustrious career at Madrid has seen him win 3 Champions League trophies at the club and one La Liga.
The latest news comes on the back of the fact that Arsenal find Benzema to be an ideal replacement for their wantaway star Alexis Sanchez. It is also reported that Real Madrid might be open to hearing offers for their French hitman given the fact that he is now 29 and has a decreasing market value. Wenger’s move for Benzema would see the Gunners add a third French forward to their attacking line-up.
Although Benzema would not be a direct replacement for Sanchez, who, unlike the French striker, occupies the wing position, Karim’s move to The Emirates will definitely add to the heavy attacking firepower already at Wenger’s disposal.
Wenger will surely have to sell a couple of his strikers should Benzema opt to move as it would be difficult for him to rotate 5 first team strikers in the same squad with Olivier Giroud and Lucas Perez likely to be the ones heading for the exit door.
If Arsenal were to lose Sanchez next season, Benzema, despite his goalscoring exploits, would not be the ideal replacement for the winger. Wenger would do better to search for a winger in the market especially because he already has four players vying for the number 9 role in the club.
Reports have confirmed Arsenal came really close to sealing a deal for another Frenchman in the form of Thomas Lemar. Arsenal looked to bring in another winger to replace their wantaway Chilean. A bid for £92m was made in the summer. However, the deal that began in the eleventh hour was scrapped by Monaco and subsequently Arsenal refused to let go of Alexis without signing a replacement.
Should the winger make a move to England, his ideal destination would be North London. The situation at Arsenal is changing and with Alexis set to leave, Lemar would seamlessly fit into the first team role and it would be down to the winger and his performances to keep a hold of his position.
So Lemar is surely a better option for Wenger but should they go for Benzema?
