Arsenal will make a bid for long-term target Karim Benzema from Real Madrid should Alexis Sanchez leave the club this summer.
That’s according to the Express, who believe the Gunners are lining up a £50m bid for the French international ahead of the new season. But with a former Lyon centre-forward in Alexandre Lacazette arriving at the Emirates Stadium for £44m, it’s hard to see Arsenal spending a similar fee for another one.
Benzema would be a useful addition to the squad, however, scoring an impressive 180 goals in 365 games for Real Madrid. But it’s unlikely he would leave, let alone agree terms with Arsenal. Alexis Sanchez has been told he’s staying so Arsenal shouldn’t have a hole in the attack to fill.
With Real Madrid winning the Spanish La Liga title and retaining their Champions League crown, it’s unknown why Benzema would seek to exit the Santiago Bernabeu, nor would Real accept a £50m for his services.
Arsenal have Olivier Giroud, Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck as centre-forward options going into the new season. Arsene Wenger is likely to be content with that.