Arsenal Tipped To Make Striker Move After Contract Talks Stall

As we approach the opening of the summer window clubs will be intensifying their efforts in the transfer market so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip. Today, Gooner Mac brings us news of Arsenal’s interest in Karim Benzema.

Arsenal are ready to step up their interest in Karim Benzema after the strikers contract extension talks with Real Madrid hit a stumbling block, according to reports today.

The French international has just one year remaining on his current deal at Madrid and the striker has always maintained his priority would be to remain at the Bernabeu.

However, it seems the 26-year-old’s wage demands are threatening to put an end to his time with the European champions as the Express are reporting that Benzema has demanded to see his current salary almost double to £135,000-a-week, which would make the striker one of the top earners at the club.

The likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo are one huge money at Madrid, but the newspaper suggests that none of the clubs other players earn over £130,000-a-week, so Benzema is looking to break the mold.

It’s understood that Madrid officials have baulked at his demands as they feel that his salary expectations don’t reflect his status in the squad, with the former Lyon hitman not considered a fan-favourite and came under fire from his own supporters last season following some inconsistent displays.

The stalemate over his extension could see Benzema sold by the clubs hierarchy this summer as unless they can tie him down to a new deal, they run the risk of losing him for nothing in 12 months time, and the Express claim that Arsenal are now ready to step up their interest after learning of the breakdown in contract talks.

We’ve been strongly linked with Benzema over the past 12 months and were understood to be close to agreeing a deal last summer before Carlo Ancleotti pulled the plug and sold Gonzalo Higuain instead. However, Arsene Wenger has never hidden his admiration for the player so I’m sure he’d jump at the chance of bringing him to the Emirates if given any encouragement this time around.

Arsenal need to bring in at least one striker this summer to offer competition to Olivier Giroud next season and Benzema would be an excellent addition. While he’s had to deal with the likes of Ronaldo and now Bale stealing the limelight, Benzema has still managed to score 111 goals in 235 appearances for Real since making the move from Lyon in 2009, so he’d certainly offer a real goal threat in attack.

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Arsene is currently over in Brazil working as a pundit for French TV so I’m sure he’ll take the opportunity to keep a close eye on Benzema and I’d be delighted if we could lure him to north London this summer.