Arsenal will reportedly make a bid for Karim Benzema if he does not feature under new Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move away from Santiago Bernabeu for some time, with the Gunners and their Premier League rivals Manchester United mooted as possible destinations.
It has been reported that Benitez plans to play Cristiano Ronaldo in a central striker role, which would leave Benzema frozen out, despite the France international scoring over 20 goals in each of his last five seasons at Real.
Arsenal will offer Benzema an escape from Real if he is dropped to the bench, according to Spanish newspaper El Confidencial.
However, it has been suggested that the frontman would cost the North Londoners £46m.
Benzema has scored 124 goals in 242 games since joining Real from Lyon in 2009.
Written by
Steven Toplis
Steven Toplis
