Arsenal has apparently shown a surprising level of interest in acquiring Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. Los Blancos have been on the lookout for a successor for the Frenchman in the transfer market due to his injury problems this season.
Benzema’s chronic muscular problems forced him to miss a significant amount of the 2022–23 season. He has appeared in 12 games for Real Madrid in all competitions, collecting 6 goals and 1 assist.
Will Arsenal get Karim Benzema to replace Gabriel Jesus?
The Brazilian attacker was a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s assault before the World Cup break. Since joining the club in the summer from Manchester City, he has played in 14 Premier League games, scoring five goals and dishing out six assists.
Arteta now has no choice except to explore other strategies. The Spanish manager said that Jesus would be replaced by the Gunners in the forthcoming January transfer window.
El Nacional reports that Benzema’s status at the Santiago Bernabeu is being closely watched. Next summer, his contract will also be up. This might pave the path for a transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
Mykhaylo Mudryk, again here watching Arsenal game and mentioning “two top coach” for Roberto de Zerbi who had him at Shakhtar Donetsk…
…and of course, Mikel Arteta who’s pushing to sign him ⚪️🔴 #AFC pic.twitter.com/6hQVGR86lP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2022
But in October, it was claimed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano that Real Madrid was planning to extend the contract of the French striker until June of 2024. Although he is expected to be at the Bernabeu, Los Blancos have not yet announced whether or not the player will be staying at the Bernabeu.
Gabriel Martinelli performing really well
Ramires, a former Brazil and Chelsea midfielder has been quite complimentary of Arsenal player Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian is certain that his countryman would be heavily pursued by Real Madrid for his signing after his spectacular performance for the Emirates.
Here is what Ramires had to say about it (via GOAL): “Gabriel Martinelli is a great player. He’s been great for Arsenal this season. It’s great to see a young Brazilian coming up and showing so much maturity. Big clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus will have to come knocking on the door at some point. He plays for Arsenal, which is a big club with a lot of goals. But there’s always going to be another level.
I’d say it depends on Martinelli and what he wants. It’s natural for players like him to think about teams like Real Madrid, with their size and status, and how it might have been a childhood dream to play for them.”
This season, Martinelli has been a standout for the Gunners with some excellent outings. In 15 league games, the Brazilian winger has scored six times and assisted on two more.
