Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Still Holding Onto Hope for Karim Benzema?

By Josh Sippie

Aug 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (9) and Everton defender Phil Jagielka (6) chase down a ball in front of the Everton goal during first half action of the Guiness International Champions Cup semifinals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (9) and Everton defender Phil Jagielka (6) chase down a ball in front of the Everton goal during first half action of the Guiness International Champions Cup semifinals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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While partying it up in New York City with Rihanna and Chris Brown (uh oh) among a host of other A-list celebrities, Karim Benzema does not appear at all fazed over the amount of transfer rumors linked to his name. While the French ace is currently the front man of Real Madrid, with new manager Rafa Benitez set to give the lone striker role to Cristiano Ronaldo, it appears that Karim Benzema could be on the way out.

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I have already covered in depth how unbelievably well Karim Benzema would fit in at Arsenal (click here, here or here for more), but suffice to say he is one of the few strikers that I think Arsenal should be in heavy pursuit of. His style of play was meant for Arsenal, with superb linkup play, excellent finishing and fantastic passing. He is not a carbon copy of Giroud and what he would bring to Arsenal is exactly what the Gunners need.

Not only that, but he is the one potential striker signing that would not decimate the fragile confidence of Olivier Giroud. Giroud and Karim Benzema already have a strong working relationship from the international level so to put the two together would bring about a friendly internal competition.

That being said, Arsene Wenger does not appear to be too heavily pursuing a striker, particularly after Theo Walcott established that he was indeed a striker after all. And yet, Arsenal’s continued linkage to Benzema gives hope. While I am not one to buy into rumors, I am buying into this one for that sole purpose: Hope.

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The latest links indicate that Real Mardid are unsurprisingly in the market for Sergio Aguero. The Argentine hitman has rocked the socks off of the Premier League at Manchester City and Los Blancos want a piece of that action. Conveniently, Los Blancos usually get what Los Blancos want. Even with Sergio Aguero costing in excess of 60 million pounds, money to them is like toilet paper for regular people.

The Express is reporting that in order to afford a move for the Manchester City bread winner, Los Blancos will have to sell a few guys to get a few extra rolls of toilet paper. Seeing as how Karim Benzema was already rumored to be on the out with Ronaldo taking his spot, it only makes sense that the French striker is again front-lining as the guy to make way.

Enter Arsenal (and Manchester United, but Benzema is a smart lad). Karim Benzema is valued at 35 million pounds, which would be a healthy chunk out of the 50 million Arsenal are said to have for summer transfers. But what could be more important than finding competition for Giroud? Certainly not a goal keeper.

It is still a long shot to see Arsenal make a marquee signing like Karim Benzema, but there are a lot of signs that keep piling up that point towards this move actually having a glimmer of realism.

Next: What can we expect from Olivier Giroud?

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