Karim Benzema linked with move to Premier League clubs

Real Madrid’s French striker Karim Benzema is being linked with a move to the Premier League, following the dismissal of boss Carlo Ancelotti, as the club look to make changes in the summer.

Benzema, 27, arrived at the club for the start of president Florentino Perez’s second reign, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka in a summer splurge that eclipsed €250m.

The striker has since gone on to score 134 goals in 281 games, contributing 86 assists. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested, with the latter in need of a frontman to replace Radamel Falcao who has ended his loan spell, and Robin van Persie who has struggled with fitness.

Whether he would fit in at United, who are 9/2 with Coral to win the Premier League next season, remains to be seen. There still appears to be confusion as to exactly how Louis van Gaal wants his team to play, and the kind of footballing image he wants to portray.

With Javier Hernandez set to return from Los Blancos, a decision will need to be made firstly, on whether to keep him at the club or cash in, with Real rumoured to not want to follow up their interest in the forward after accommodating him for a season on loan.

Arsenal meanwhile, despite Theo Walcott’s recent heroics, still lack a top quality striker, and Benzema would fit the bill. A Champions League winner, he would link up with former Real teammate Mesut Ozil, as well as international attacking partner Olivier Giroud.

It is thought the Gunners are just three quality players short of challenging for the Premier League title next season, and a player of Benzema’s calibre would give the Gunners that edge in the final third. Backed up by Alexis Sanchez, the aforementioned Ozil and even Walcott, Arsenal would be a genuine threat to any side across Europe.