Wenger Open Talks To Sign French Star But Here Is Why He Won’t Get Him
There are so transfer rumours that won’t just go away. One of such is Manchester United’s pursuit of Ronaldo while another is French striker Karim Benzema to Arsenal. The Gunners have for long been linked with a swoop for the Real Madrid striker but the chances of that happening seems to die off in the summer with Wenger signing former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck. But despite the arrival of the Englishman, the rumour still won’t go away, according to reports in Spain, Arsenal are still keen on him with Wenger hoping that his persuasive skills would help push the deal through.
Real Madrid have never hidden their desire to cash in on the French striker should an offer at the right price arrive for him. The mooted price is in the region of 40million Pounds but what are the chances of Arsenal signing Benzema? I think extremely slim. Arsenal have two first choice strikers in Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck not forgetting Alexis Sanchez that could also be deployed there. Giroud might be injured at the moment but he would soon be back and going by recent suggestions from Wenger, he could be returning earlier than imagined.
The Frenchman is still highly rated by Wenger and that influenced the new deal with increased wages he agreed some weeks back. Should Arsenal sign Benzema, what becomes of Giroud? On paper, Benzema might seem better than Giroud but Wenger’s belief in Giroud is obvious and it looks like he wants to keep him longer at Arsenal. Le Prof had also dispelled the possibility of Benzema and Giroud extending their rivalry to the club level at Arsenal. Both men are already at each other’s throat at the international level as they battle for the sole striker spot in Les Bleus squad. Having both men doing the same thing at Arsenal could create unhealthy rivalry at the Emirates and harm rather than help the team.
Welbeck is another reason why the Benzema to Arsenal dream might never see the light of day. The English forward might have arrived Arsenal on deadline day (some call it panic buy) but the fact that he was bought for good money by Arsenal’s standards (16million Pounds) and signed a long term contract shows he would be at the Emirates for the long haul. Wenger been the patient manager would give him all the time required to turn his potentials into reality.
Finally, the pricetag is another reason why the deal might never happen. Can Arsenal afford to splash out 40million Pounds on a player, a striker for that matter? I don’t think so. It has been revealed that Wenger would only have 30million Pounds to spend in the winter window and of course a defensive midfielder and centre back are priority signings . Knowing Wenger’s aversion for the winter window, he might not buy big then and should that happen, they would be the priorities for the summer transfer window and not a big money move for yet another striker.