Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are all monitoring the situation of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who has opened talks with the Spanish giants over a contract extension, reports the Express.
The 26-year-old’s current deal does not expire until 2015 and Los Blancos are believed to be keen to agree a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2018.
But if negotiations break down between the player’s representatives and the club there are a host of European heavyweights interested in a summer move for the France international.
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Following the arrival of world record signing Gareth Bale in the summer, Benzema was anxious that he would be forced out of Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but has since gone on to establish himself as the first choice forward.
However, the attacker is likely to want an improved salary to reflect his new position in the team, while the conveyor belt of new arrivals at the Bernabeu also means the situation could change unpredictably.
At present the forward is expected to sign the new deal but Arsene Wenger, who is a keen admirer of Benzema and has tracked him in the past, will not be deterred until the former Lyon front man has committed his future to Madrid.
Karim Benzema has scored 14 goals for Real Madrid this season, making him the club’s second top scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 22.
