Once again, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, despite many more reasons why they’d be better off steering clear.

Arsenal have been linked with Benzema for about a decade now. By this point, it’s pretty much tradition. Diario Gol have written their latest report about a supposed interest that will see the Gunners bid £35m, but not a penny more.

The bid has apparently been deemed “ridiculous” by Real Madrid, who rate their struggling striker very highly. So highly, in fact, that the Spanish media need to make up transfer rumours to make it look like Los Blancos are flexing their muscles by keeping hold of him.

The rumour has been so incessant that it might as well be parody by this point. Arsenal already signed a striker in the summer for £52m, on top of the strikers they already had at the club.

Olivier Giroud has yet to start a league game this season, but still has more goals than Benzema has. Even Danny Welbeck has scored more league goals than the Real and France forward this season.

A striker is the last thing Arsenal need right now, and no matter how much Arsene Wenger may admire him, Benzema is hardly the player he used to be.