The striker remains Arsene Wenger’s top transfer target
According to the Express, Arsenal are keeping £46 million to one side just in case Karim Benzema becomes available.
The French international continues to be strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, despite the Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez insisting he will not leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
However, Benzema left some fans worried after a recent Instagram post suggested he was leaving, but these rumours were rubbished after the 27-year old was present for a Real Madrid photo shoot.
Spanish media claim the deal could still happen
Spanish media outlet AS say that the Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger still sees his native Frenchman as the main target for the club, hence saving some of the transfer kitty.
Olivier Giroud is the only out-and-out striker that Wenger has at his disposal. Alexis Sanchez can play up top but is often used in a wider position, as is Theo Walcott, but he has started up front for Arsenal in today’s Community Shield match against Chelsea.
Youngster Chuba Akpom has also impressed in pre-season, but he looks set to join Hull City on a season-long loan. Yaya Sanogo has also moved out on loan to Dutch giants Ajax.
If Benzema is to leave Madrid, Benitez might use Cristiano Ronaldo to fill the void. The ex-Manchester United star has been used as a loan striker throughout pre-season.
Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus has also been tipped to be Benzema’s replacement for the Galacticos.
