Reports: Arsenal join long list of clubs seeking £40m Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern Muenchen

Arsenal have joined a long list of big European clubs in pursuit of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners are well-known to be looking at a new striker after a frustrating campaign with Olivier Giroud leading the attack. He has done a decent job but not to the standard they need should they aim to win the Premier League.

Benzema has done a great job at Madrid, scoring 22 goals this season and the winner in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich.

However, Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of a stronger team and see the recruitment of a top class number 9 as the first answer to that. It means that the Spaniards are willing to listen to offers for Benzema, who joined the club in 2009.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have all shown an interest in the Frenchman with Madrid looking for a fee similar to the £42 million they received for Mesut Ozil last summer.

The downside for English clubs could be where Madrid search for a replacement. The men who will likely top their list are Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez.

Neither club wishes to sell their star player meaning it would be difficult for Madrid to sway their decision. With Aguero and Suarez challenging for the Premier League and set for a season in the Champions League, neither club will consider selling.