Arsenal Plot €50m Striker Bid But Man Utd Tipped To Hijack Move With €56.5m Swoop

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Arsenal and Man Utd are linked with Karim Benzema….

Arsenal and Manchester United look set to go head-to-head over the signing of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema this summer with reports suggesting both clubs are lining-up big-money bids.

Benzema has just come off the back of another impressive season at Madrid that saw him score 22 goals in 46 games as the Spanish giants reached the Champions League semi final and pushed Barcelona all the way in the La Liga title race.

Despite his solid return, the French international came under criticism from some sections of the Bernabeu faithful at times last season and it seems he’s once again being lined-up for a move to the Premier League this summer.

Goal are reporting that Arsenal believe Benzema is interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium and Arsene Wenger is set to test Madrid’s resolve with a €50m (£35m) bid for the 27-year-old over the coming weeks.

Many feel the Gunners are a world class striker short of being genuine title contenders and Benzema would certainly add a real goal threat if they could somehow lure him to North London this summer.

However, it looks as though the Arsenal will face stiff competition for his signature as the Express claim that Manchester United are also watching the strikers situation closely and will launch a €56.5m (£40m) move if they are given any indication Benzema is available.

Louis van Gaal is on the look out for a new striker after rejecting the chance to sign Radamel Falcao on a permanent basis and Benzema is the type of top class talent the Dutchman needs to turn United back in to a force again.

It would certainly be an intriguing race between Arsenal and United if Madrid did decide to cash-in on the French international but much will depend on who gets appointed at the Bernabeu and what his plans are for the squad.

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

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked yesterday and Rafa Benitez is the bookies favourite to take over, but I’m sure whoever replaces the Italian coach will have a huge say on whether Benzema stays or goes, so we’ll have to keep a close eye on developments over the coming days and weeks.

My personally feeling is Madrid will refuse to sell Benzema, even for £40m, but if the new boss wants to stamp his own authority on the team he may want to bring in a new front-man and the former Lyon star is the most likely to be sold as Madrid are highly unlikely to sell Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale.