Where Are Karim Benzema Rumours Coming From? Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger

“We know how hard it is to buy players now”.

According to Spanish paper AS, Arsene Wenger has set aside nearly £50million to sign him, with Rafa Benitez unsure as to whether the Frenchman fits into his system at the Bernabeu.

Wenger has been tipped to bring in another striker before the summer transfer window closes, but it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman does complete a big-money purchase.

Wenger admitted last week that getting Benzema would be near-impossible but AS believes that is aimed to divert the attentions.

One thing is certain though, if a deal goes through, Real will use the funds acquired from the sale of their front-man to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown says the 27-year-old is just what the Gunners need to be title contenders this season.

Benzema is also thought to be excited by the idea of, once again, becoming a team’s leading man. At Lyon and whilst on global duty, Benzema is the star turn, but at Real Madrid he often plays second fiddle to the trio of Ronaldo, Bale and James. Whether we can get them is another matter.

However, he did look out of sorts during yesterday’s pre-season friendly with AC Milan, with the striker being subbed at half-time during a 0-0 draw with some fans suggesting on social media that the speculation over his future is affecting his performances on the pitch.

Karim Benzema is a more rounded performer than Arsenal’s current first-choice starting striker Olivier Giroud, the Real Madrid man being a provider as well as a prolific goal-scorer.