Transfer Scouting Report: Cut-price Real Madrid striker could tip Arsenal towards league title

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema

Rumours have resurfaced in the past few days about Arsenal making a move for France international Karim Benzema.

The Gunners were linked with a move for the 25-year old in the summer, but were put off by the £40 million valuation set by Real Madrid. That price has dropped significantly over the past few weeks though, after a reported bust-up between the player and current los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti. Considering the striker’s reputation and pedigree, getting him for the reported £20m would be a bargain fee. The Spanish giants have slashed his price as they hope to free up funds in order to make a move for Luis Suarez or Radamel Falcao, according to the Evening Standard.

Benzema has found himself out of form over the past 18 months contributing only 11 goals in La Liga last season, but this could be blamed on playing 90 minutes on just five occasions.

Benzema only completed 90 minutes in 16.7% of his appearances in 2012/13

All of Benzema’s goals last season were scored with his feet

The former Lyon man’s style of play could also suit the fluid attacking style of football Arsenal have become known for under the management of Arsene Wenger. Compared to the Gunners’ current lone striker Olivier Giroud, Benzema scores the majority of his goals with his feet and this technical ability could prove vital in the structuring of Arsenal’s attacking unit.

Giroud has improved his groundwork this season – all 4 goals have come with his left foot – but will never possess the pace and trickery of Benzema who also has a history with Arsenal’s record signing Mesut Ozil. The two were key components in a well-oiled counter-attacking system at Real Madrid during Jose Mourinho’s spell at the Bernabeu.

Ozil’s role at the heart of Arsenal’s attack would be a major draw for Benzema and would allow Wenger’s forwards to swap positions during games to confuse the opposition defence. Benzema operates differently to Giroud and can drop deep to join in with the build-up play to become a provider as well as a goalscorer. He proved this last season for Real – working well with Ozil to fall just behind the German (13) on 11 La Liga assists for the season and playing 30 key passes.

If Arsenal are to continue their fine early-season form then they must be able to change it up and not become too predictable. Adding a player like Benzema to their ranks would compliment the rest of their squad delightfully and provide the boost for the Gunners to go again midway through the campaign. Come May, he could prove to be just as important an addition as Mesut Ozil.