Karim Benzema’s agent has denied claims that the Real Madrid centre-forward is keen to join Arsenal, after reports emerged of the Gunners’ apparent interest.
Don Balon claim that the Gunners have put in a bid for the 29-year-old, and write that Karim is keen to move on from Real Madrid, with Real president Florentino Perez in support of the transfer.
Benzema recently signed a new contract with the Spanish side, committing his future to Madrid until 2021, so rumours that he wants to leave aren’t supported by anything we’ve heard from the player publicly. In fact, his agent has flat out denied the claims.
Karim Benzema to Arsenal? His rep tells me: "Benzema is very happy at Real Madrid… absolutely no intention of leaving club." #AFC #SSN
— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) October 19, 2017
In addition, Benzema isn’t performing as well as the Gunners’ current options up front anyway.
In 596 minutes, Benzema has two goals, in one of the best teams in Europe. Meanwhile, in an Arsenal side that has been far less impressive, Giroud has two goals in 449 minutes, Lacazette has four in 625, and Welbeck has three in 551. All better ratios than Karim’s.
Perhaps Real might therefore be a bit more keen to offload the striker, but that doesn’t explain why Arsenal would look to spend big money on him.
If Benzema signed the new contract as a favour to Los Blancos to help drive the price up, then I can’t see why the Gunners would blow a load of cash on him, considering their more pressing issues in midfield and defence.