Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has fuelled the speculation linking Real Madrid star Karim Benzema with a move to Arsenal, after claiming he has heard rumours within the club about a possible deal for the French striker.
The Gunners look poised for a busy summer, after a sixth consecutive trophyless season has left Arsene Wenger with little option but to give in to the fans demands for more experienced additions to the squad.
With money available to spend, Wenger looks set to bring in some established players in a bid to end the ongoing silverware drought. As a long-term admirer of Benzema, it is believed the French tactician is looking at the unsettled French forward as a possible marquee signing in the summer.
"Its always nice to see new additions to the squad,” Walcott insisted. “But maybe one player will attract more players and keep players.
"I've heard rumours of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. Someone like that would help you hold on to your best players, get the crowd on their feet as well."
Benzema – who has fallen out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu following the appointment of Jose Mourinho – would be a welcome addition to Arsenal’s attacking line, with Robin van Persie perpetually suffering with injury, Marouane Chamakh failing to settle in England and Nicklas Bentner keen on a move away from the Emirates.
Indeed, Wenger has made no secret of his interest in the 23-year-old , claiming that a deal would not be impossible to orchestrate.
“Signing him [Benzema] does not seem impossible,” Wenger clarified.
“He's a player that I like. He's intelligent in his movement, he is capable of combining well with others and making a difference, and of doing individual moves as well. So, for me, he's a player who's at the top level in the world."
Benzema featured 48 times for Real Madrid last season, but found his opportunities increasingly sparse with the introduction of Emmanuel Adebayor and the return of Gonzalo Higuain. Despite Adebayor ending his loan spell, there have been hints that Benzema will be surplus to requirements as Jose Mourinho looks to bring in his own striking options.
0 comments:
Post a Comment