Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. (Photo : Getty Images)
Premier League contender Arsenal FC is reportedly preparing a new and improved offer to Real Madrid in an attempt to finally sign Frenchman Karim Benzema as the La Liga powerhouse is said to be "ready to sell the striker" next summer.
Metro reported the rumor on Sunday, saying that "a series of off-field issues" are the reason why Los Blancos officials "are planning to sell" the 27-year-old France international. The report has also cited that Spanish media outlet Fichajes disclosed the Gunners are "in pole position" to snag Benzema off the Bernabéu in the near future.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is known as a long-time fan of his countryman, is reportedly targeting Benzema as one of his "main transfer objectives" this January or next summer depending on his availability.
Several rumors of an Emirates Stadium transfer had been out in the air even before the start of the new season, but nothing had been pushed through between the two world-class clubs.
However, with the recent controversy he is in, being charged of conspiracy to blackmail France teammate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex tape, Real officials are said to be considering to move Benzema as soon as possible, as per Bleacher Report.
The former Lyon standout has been great recently, scoring eight goals in nine appearances for the Spanish capital city team so far this season.
He just pulled off a brace last Saturday in Los Merengues' 4-1 demolition of Getafe, complementing the attacks of fellow superstar teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
Meanwhile, Wenger is noticeably in need of a player like Benzema who can improve the Gunners' offense up front and could stay healthy for much of a season. Right now, Olivier Giroud is his team's only option at center with Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck both nursing separate injuries.
