Arsenal to launch £40 million bid for Karim Benzema

Arsenal are readying a £40 million bid to lure striker Karim Benzema away from Real Madrid.

Thierry Henry was not convinced by performance of Olivier Giroud last season, and his French compatriot might be seen giving him competition next season.

The bid is believed to be launched as early as possible, probably by Monday. Benzema, who is currently training with the rest of squad at Madrid, has made 188 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring an impressive 87 goals.

Though the move seems to be highly unlikely, Florentino Perez has done stranger things.

Benzema, still only 27, might exactly fit in Arsene Wenger’s system. Apart from being a natural goal scorer, he also possess a very creative mind.

“If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it,” said Wenger. “It depends what’s on the market.

“It’s not easy, there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We don’t rule it out and we don’t guarantee we will sign.”

Gunners also have Danny Welbeck up their ranks, but Wenger prefers to play him wide rather than preferred central position.