Wenger Steals March On Man Utd After Calling Striker To Discuss Arsenal Move

With the summer transfer window finally open for business, managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads ahead of next season so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Arsenal are linked with Karim Benzema….

Arsenal have stolen a march on Manchester United after Arsene Wenger personally phoned Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to discuss a potential move to North London, according to the Express.

Benzema enjoyed another productive season with Madrid last year that saw him score 22 goals in 46 appearances but his future at the Bernabeu has been called into question following the arrival of Rafa Benitez.

The new Madrid boss is being tipped to play Cristiano Ronaldo through the middle and also give Gareth Bale a more prominent role in his new look attack which would leave Benzema out in the cold.

Understandably this has led to speculation linking the French international with a move to England and the Metro reported last month that Arsenal have made Benzema their top transfer target this summer.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest with the Express also reporting back in June that United chiefs held talks with the strikers agent, Karim Djaziri, in the Savoy hotel in Manchester to discuss a potential switch to Old Trafford.

It looks like Arsenal have now stolen a march on United as the Express are now citing reports coming from Spanish radio station COPE which claim that Arsene Wenger has personally phones Benzema to discuss a potential move to the Emirates.

However, the paper suggests that it would take a huge bid for Real to even consider selling the 27-year-old while I’m sure Benzema will want to hear directly from Benitez about what his plans are for him before making any decision over his future.

The Madrid squad returned to pre-season training yesterday so we’ll have to see how things develop over the coming days but obviously Benzema would be a sensational signing if either Arsenal or United could pull it off.

I think the Gunners are a top class striker away from being genuine title challengers next season and the Frenchman is one of the most complete forwards in the game so would certainly give Wenger’s men a real threat up top if they were able to lure him to North London.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

But I’m sure United would prove to be stiff competition if Madrid do agree to sell as Louis van Gaal is in desperate need of striking reinforcements with Robin van Persie on the verge of joining Fenerbache [via the Mirror].

Javier Hernandez is also expected to follow the Dutchman out the Old Trafford exit door which would leave van Gaal with just two senior strikers to choose from so he will need to bring in at least one more forward and Benzema is the caliber of player he should be looking for.