Arsenal are reportedly in with a chance of landing long-term target, Karim Benzema, as Real Madrid plan a ‘clear out’.

Yawn.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is apparently planning a squad clear out as he frees up some funds. This means that the lesser-used players on high wages could leave, claims Spanish outlet Don Balon.

Benzema, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo, Toni Kroos and Luca Modric, are all said to be on the alleged list awaiting the chop.

Arsenal have been linked with the France international ever since Robin van Persie left in 2012 but obviously a move never came to fruition. Now, claims the report, could be the Gunners’ time to pounce, especially if Arsene Wenger allows Olivier Giroud to leave.

Benzema has made five La Liga starts this season, scoring once and assisting twice. The 29-year-old has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, which explains his lack of appearances (six).

The forward made 48 appearances across all competitions, scoring 19 goals last term, and went on to sign a new four-year deal in September, taking him up to 2021 with Los Blancos.

Did Benzema pen a contract extension because his future is genuinely with the Spanish giants or was it so Real could get the highest amount of cash possible when they sell him?

Watch this space but I think we all know the answer to this one already…