Arsene Wenger is believed to have been making late night calls to transfer target, Karim Benzema regarding a possible move to the Emirates according to Spanish radio station, ‘Cadena Cope.’
Reports from the radio station claim that Wenger phoned Benzema in order to try and persuade the Real Madrid striker to join Arsenal despite the striker claiming to be happy in the Spanish capital, putting a number of rifts with former manager, Carlo Ancellotti, behind him.
Priority:
It is believed that Wenger see’s the 27-year-old as a main priority despite numerous reports linking the club with Napoli’s Argentinian striker, Gonzalo Higuain. The North Londoners have been linked with the Frenchman for many years, yet now seems the right time to strike and get their man. With Real Madrid appointing Rafa Benitez, who will have his own transfer plans, it could be right for Benzema to depart ‘Los Blancos’, especially with the ex-Liverpool manager eyeing PSG want-away Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If a bid is made for the Swedish international, expect the exit door to open for Benzema.
A strong, aggressive striker who can play anywhere in a front three would be an ideal signing for the Gunners, despite making the competition for places even tougher. Benzema has always caught Wenger’s eye with his natural talent and goalscoring, something you could argue an Arsenal side of late has struggled with. The question is, would he come in and help Giroud, or will he come in to replace his fellow countryman? Both players have a similar style, yet Benzema is a more natural finisher and an all round performer according to fans.
If Benitez makes Ronaldo a false nine, it could signal Benzema's departure
If reports coming out of Madrid are true, then Wenger could be in the driving seat to pick up his man. With Rafa Benitez taking over from Carlo Ancellotti, it is believed that the Spaniard wants to bring his own style of play into the club, and that starts with making Cristiano Ronaldo a false number nine. Is this Benitez trying to signal the end for Benzema, or trying to allow Ronaldo to better his Ballon D’Or rival Lionel Messi? Whatever the case, it is sure to unsettle the Frenchman and make him consider his options with four clubs ‘interested.’
Former team-mate Mesut Ozil could have a huge say in the transfer negotiations going ahead. The pair were evidently friends when they were at Madrid, and have continued to stay in contact since Ozil decided to make the move to North London. With the German already putting his name up in the lights at Arsenal, this could persuade Benzema to join him and take centre stage for the Gunners.
Wenger was once quoted saying that Karim Benzema would be his ‘dream signing.’ Clearly the Madrid man ticks all the boxes for Wenger has he begins to file a number of names that he believes will boost Arsenal from a guaranteed Champions League place to a title challenging team.
After missing out on Jackson Martinez, who opted for a move to Italy with AC Milan, Wenger is even more determined to get his man.
