A number of reports are suggesting that Arsene Wenger is ready to smash the clubs transfer record this January by making a £25 million swoop for frozen-out Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema…surely he is a must this winter?
Wenger has already stated earlier in the week that he does not intend to spend a penny this January. However, indecisive performances by Nicklas Bendtner, persistent injuries to Robin Van Persie, and Marouane Chamakh finding it difficult to adapt to the hardship of the Premier League, should at least have the Frenchman considering the option of buying the Real man this winter.
Benzema has stated in the past that he is willing to fight for a place in the starting line-up, but some may say it’s a lost cause, and that the striker should look for another club at the earliest opportunity.
The Arsenal boss is a huge admirer of the 22-year-old and has been linked with the French superstar in the past, before he made his £30 million (rising to £41 million based on incentives) switch to the Galacticos in 2009. However, Benzema continues to struggle in Spain and spends most of his time warming the bench. In fairness, the striker has been getting a few games lately due to Gonzalo Higuain being injured. The Argentinean has been ruled out for 2 months, so this could be Benzema’s chance to finally shine. However, the powerful striker must produce consistently and prove his worth to the team for this duration otherwise Jose Mourinho will more than likely offload him. So far in his Real Madrid career, the French international has made a total of 51 appearances (in all competitions) and found the net 12 times, an unbelievably poor contrast from his days at Lyon.
Wenger is not one to splash the cash in the market. In fact, the most he has ever spent as Arsenal manager was £10.5 million in 2004 for Jose Antonio Reyes. The transfer fee eventually rose to £17 million due to bonuses and incentives, and to this day stands as the clubs record transfer.
I think Benzema would be brilliant for Arsenal but I don’t see that realistically happening. Why would he leave Real Madrid for Arsenal, doesn’t make sense. I know he is not a regular for Real Madrid but now Higuan will be out for 2 weeks for, so it could be his time to step up.
I really do hope we get him though if it is at all possible.