Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been linked with Arsenal. Again by the Spanish media.

When it doubt, link Benzema with Arsenal. That’s the approach of Spanish outlet Don Balon, who are, if nothing else, dedicated to the story. Able to spin any story into someone controversial, Don Balon latched onto Benzema’s latest performance for Real Madrid.

The Spanish and European champions laboured to a 1-1 draw at home to Levante at the weekend, and Benzema didn’t have the best of games before he was subbed off with a hamstring injury.

That must mean that he wants out of Real Madrid and that the La Liga champions want to sell him, and so on. And of course, if Benzema is leaving Madrid, his destination has to be Arsenal. Who else could it be?

Never mind that Benzema is 29 and probably past his best, or that Arsenal have a younger and arguably better striker at the moment in Alexandre Lacazette, or that Benzema is the only recognised striker in the Real Madrid squad.

One day, he’ll join Arsenal, and Don Balon will be there, saying ‘I told you so’. The Gunners do need to bolster their attacking options, but more so in the wider areas, not at centre-forward.

With Lacazette, Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck all capable of operating at centre-forward, signing Benzema isn’t going to be high on Arsene Wenger’s list of priorities.