Transfer Update: Karim Benzema

A Gooner?

The French striker has had an impressive season at Madrid, largely thanks to Higuain’s injury. He has netted 26 goals in 48 games, which has prompted the media to suggest that he may leave. Wenger has been quoted to say:

“Signing him does not seem impossible. He’s a player that I like. He’s intelligent in his movement; he is capable of combining well with others and making a difference, and of doing individual moves as well.”

He is likely to be priced at £20-30 million, which may put our manager off a potential bid. Then again, Wenger has stated his desire to bring big players to the club, in what he has declared as his most important transfer window at Arsenal.

With Real trying to sign Adebayor on a permanent deal, they will have plenty of attacking options, which may encourage Benzema, who will be searching for regular first-team opportunities, to consider his future. Furthermore, Real are unlikely to want to have too many high-wage players in their squad, so they may look to offload potential fringe players, such as Benzema.

No chance

However, Benzema has been quoted in Marca as stating his desire to stay at the Spanish club.

“I do not think that Real Madrid are thinking about selling me this summer. Mourinho has faith in me and wants to stick with me.”

Such comments will dent Wenger’s confidence about signing the 23 year old. With Bendtner and Arshavin set to leave the club, our boss would probably have liked to obtain the signature of a top striker, to partner the ever-increasingly influential Robin van Persie.

In addition, Wenger is unlikely to splash the cash on Benzema when other, more reasonably-priced options, are available. Straight Talking Gooners don’t believe that this transfer will materialise.