by Lewis Ambrose
Reports from Spain are heating up the rumours that Arsène Wenger is interested in bringing Karim Benzema to London.
The Real Madrid striker could be available this summer if Rafa Benitez moves Cristiano Ronaldo to a more central role, which doesn’t seem unrealistic considering the new Rea Madris manager’s preference of wide players who sacrifice themselves for the team.
Wenger has allegedly been a long term admirer of Benzema, who would suit Arsenal perfectly. A selfless French centre-forward with great link-up play, no wonder the Arsenal manager is a fan.
Previous summers have seen Arsenal snatch Mesut Özil and Alexis Sánchez when both were no longer wanted at the major Spanish clubs, and Benzema appears to be next on Wenger’s list.
However, the striker seems unwilling to move just yet.
“Wenger has called Benzema again this summer but he does not want to leave Madrid,” COPE reporter Paco Gonzalez said on Thursday night.
PACO GONZÁLEZ:”Wenger ha vuelto a llamar este verano a Benzema, pero no quiere salir del Madrid. Jesé tampoco. Están encantados con Mayoral”
— elpartidodelas12 (@partidodelas12) July 9, 2015
The same sentiment was shared by fellow Spanish journalist Kike Marin on Friday morning.
@Arsenal From #RealMadrid filter that Wenger has called them to ask Benzema, but the Frenchman did not want to leave. Benzema is on sale?
— Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) July 10, 2015
It would not surprise anyone to hear that Wenger is interested in Benzema, but the French striker appears to be happy at Real Madrid. Perhaps that will change later in the window if it ever becomes clear that his opportunities under Benitez will be more limited than he would like.