Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has set aside a huge sum of €65 million (£45.6m) for Real Madrid’s star striker Karim Benzema, according to Spanish media AS.
The media claimed that Wenger is still in pursuit of the striker even after Real Madrid had comfirmed that the Frenchman will not depart. Wenger is in need of a marquee name in his strike department. Theo Walcott at present is sufficing the role ahead of Olivier Giroud but it is just a makeshift role. Arsenal this time have a brilliant squad worthy of becoming Premier League champions but they lack a goal getter. Benzema might become that player whom Wenger needs desperately at the club. Since 2013 the manager has signed atleast one big name. In this till now he has made just one that of Petr Cech for a nominal fee of £10 m.
Since the departure of Robin van Persie to Manchester United in 2012 Arsenal lacked a stellar goal scorer upfront. Olivier Giroud has been good for the club but he was never the world class standard. The Gunners need a player who can guarantee 20 plus goals in a particular season. Last season star winger Alexis Sanchez was the highest goal scorer for the team in all competitions.
Real Madrid had earlier clarified that they would not allow Benzema leave this summer. The striker also featured in Real Madrid’s pre-season games at Australia and China. He gave a mixed performance during the pre-season as he scored a brilliant goal against Manchester City but completely disappeared against AC Milan.
Rafa Benitez had experimented with his team on several occssions as he tried Ronaldo and Jese in the central role. This might prove to be an alarming situation as Benzema’s position is not a guarantee in the staring XI.
The Benzema transfer gets intense with this news of Arsenal’s desperation for the forward. It will be a tough call for the La Liga giants if actualy a huge transfer fee is offered.