In my recent article I reported on the recent transfer rumours linking us with Mexican forward Carlos Vela. I am a massive fan of the 25-year-old Mexican, but he is not the superstar striker that so many Arsenal fans have been craving for.
The news this morning, however, could be the answer to the prayers of Arsenal fans all over the globe. The Telegraph has reported that Arsene Wenger is going to make Karim Benzema his top priority and will attempt to break Real Madrid’s grasp on the player with a £30,000,000 bid.
Although I find rumours linking Arsenal with the likes of Edinson Cavani and Mario Balotelli fanatical, this is one rumour I can believe. Arsene Wenger has been chasing the French striker of Algerian decent since his days at Lyon, and we all know Wengers soft spot when it comes to players from France.
However, there are a few factors that make this transfer. Firstly, the striker, who has scored 72 league goals since joining from Lyon in 2009, has only one year remaining on his contract. Real Madrid must consider whether or not they are willing to renew his contract or let him move on. Selling him on might release fund that could be used to strengthen the team, as after all, Real Madrid have a reputation for lavish spending. Which brings me nicely onto the second reason why I find this rumour believable.
Luis Suarez
Real Madrid are believed to be chasing current Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, and will need to raise some funds to sign the forward, who will likely cost in excess of £70,000,000. As well as that, it is unlikely that Benzema will stay and play second fiddle to the Uruguayan, who it is hard to argue against the statement of him being the best striker in the world at the moment.
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Squawka shows some interesting statistics of Benzema this league season, giving us an idea of what sort of player he is and how clinical he is as a striker – after all, that’s what being a forward is all about. He has scored 17 goals and assisted eight in Liga BBVA. Of these goals, four have been with his head, with 15 inside the area and two outside. Somebody to finish the chances in the box is sometimes what Arsenal need, and it has often been a criticism of the post-invincibles teams that they are not clinical enough, and often try to ‘pass it into the net’. The statistics make Benzema seem like an exciting prospect at Arsenal. Although he initially struggled at Real, he has been in fantastic form over these past two seasons.
Personally, I feel like signing Benzema would be overwhelmingly positive for Arsenal. There is no doubt that he is a top player who has the capacity to remain cool and clinical in big games – most recently in the Champions League semi-final first leg vs Bayern Munich.
He very well could be the star-striker Arsenal need. What are your thoughts Gooners? If you were in charge, would you sign Benzema?
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