Arsenal Plan Two January Signing Worth £60m – Title Winning Striker On The Way To Emirates

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been perennially linked with Arsenal and the speculation have yet to simmer down, despite the Frenchman pledging his future to Los Blancos in the summer.

Now Spanish news outlet Fichajes [per Metro’s Jamie Sanderson] are of the suggestion that Benzema could be set for a move to Arsenal in January. They explain Real may allow the 27-year old leave the Spanish capital due to his arrest over allegations he is involved in a plot to blackmail France international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

It is understood Arsenal would no doubt reignite their interest in Benzema should he become available.

Back in July, Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez tweeted, via his Twitter page, an assessment of Benzema’s qualities and the important role he plays at the Bernabeu.

Dominguez [FootballSergi] tweeted: “Benzema’s role at Real Madrid is quite underrated. Very essential and vital to provide space for Ronaldo. Clinical striker on top of that.

Benzema played only two La Liga matches this year and scored one goal
“One thing about Benzema is he’s excessively selfless. Sometimes has many chances to score but always wants to pass. Then team-mates squander.”

Should Arsenal succeed in signing Benzema, his skills would greatly benefit the Gunners who are clearly in a title race with Manchester City as they sit joint top in the Premier League with the Citizens, despite not signing a single outfield player this season.

But their negligence is somewhat haunting down as injuries to key players are now beginning to take hold, while it was the same old story when the Gunners got battered 5-1 by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the Champions League last Wednesday.

Nevertheless, Benzema is unlikely to leave Real yet unless the Spanish giants find a replacement in the ilk of the Frenchman or an even better one, like Sergio Agüero or Robert Lewandowski.

But slightly more realistic for Arsenal is Nicolas Gaitan of Benfica. The Argentine ace has often been linked with Manchester United, but Steve Bates in the Sunday People claims Manchester City and Arsenal have also joined the race for the attacker’s signature, as representatives from the three Premier League duo scouted the Argentina international during Benfica’s Champions League victory over Galatasaray on Tuesday.

Gaitan’s versatility means he can operate in midfield as well as on the wings and as per Bates, the Benfica number 10 is rated at £24m.