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Arsenal Stepping Up Interest Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski
By Josh Sippie
Despite inking Theo Walcott to a new, huge deal that will secure the striker’s future for the next four years, Arsenal are still heavily linked to both Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski.
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Let’s start with Benzema.
The Arsenal/Karim Benzema situation is getting a bit sticky. After reportedly upping their bid to 35 million pounds, Karim Benzema posted on Instagram a photo of him flying in a private jet with a caption about leaving the past behind and boldly going where no man has gone before – the future. Obviously everyone assumed that that bold future involved Arsenal.
However, for the time being, it did not, as the photo was old. Now, however, reports are pouring in that Arsenal are set to up their bid to 40 million, which would be enough to persuade Real Madrid to sell. The Metro is reporting that Real Madrid will accept the offer and that it is just a matter of time.
Benzema to Arsenal is not as far-fetched as it would seem. With Ronaldo set to take over striking duties, Benzema will find his time less reliable as it once was. Arsenal can give him an outlet to unleash his prowess with plenty of internal competition to keep him on top of his form.
Arsenal are also set to launch a 35 million pound bid for Robert Lewandowski, according to the Telegraph. The Polish striker currently suits up for Bayern Munich but sitting behind Thomas Muller on most occasions is not the most appeasing situation to be in.
At just 26 years old, Lewandowski provides the same, long-term solution that Benzema provides. While Lewandowski and Giroud play a very similar game and Benzema would be the much more desirable target, it still goes without saying that if we can get Robert Lewandowski, we take him.
We have, however, hit some snags with the Lewandowski pursuit as well. Despite disappointing Bayern Munich’s faithful thus far, he has promised that his best is yet to come. “I can, and will, be even better this season, I’m certain of that,” he said via the Mirror. So unless Lewandowski is an overly humorous fellow whose idea of a better season involves pulling the old switcheroo, it does not appear that he is too keen to leave Bayern behind.
As far as not needing a striker at the moment, again, Arsenal did not need a keeper either. They had adequate keeper personnel to be relevant in the title chase, but relevant was clearly not enough for Arsene Wenger, who picked up one of the best goal keepers in the world.
The same goes for striker. While Arsenal have adequate personnel at the center forward position in Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck (that last one is iffy), they could still use a world class striker like Robert Lewandowski, who has a lengthy history of scoring and scoring often.
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Olivier Giroud has already noted that Arsenal should bring in another striker. This internal competition concept is catching on at Arsenal as it continues to bring out the best in whoever it applies to. Olivier Giroud wants a piece of that and while Walcott provides a decent amount of competition, adding Benzema and Lewandowski would benefit everyone on the team. Yes, even Giroud.
Real Madrid appear like they are breaching on an agreement with Marco Reus to replace Karim Benzema. However, some other sources indicate that unless Real Madrid can land Segio Aguero (not likely), then they will not part with Benzema.
Either way, with the Chuba Akpom loan, leaving Arsenal’s striking situation in the hands of an inconsistent Giroud, an injury-prone Walcott and everyone’s favorite question mark Danny Welbeck is asking for trouble.
Next: Theo Walcott Deserves the Money