Pain in the Arsenal
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Karim Benzema’s price tag is not Arsenal’s hold up

By Josh Sippie

Aug 1, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (left) scores a goal in the second half against the Los Angeles Galaxy during a friendly match at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Real Madrid defeated the Galaxy 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (left) scores a goal in the second half against the Los Angeles Galaxy during a friendly match at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Real Madrid defeated the Galaxy 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The only consistent Arsenal link that has survived the entire transfer window is the linkage to Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid striker would be a saving grace to whatever team he plays for so it only makes sense to tie a world class striker to a team that is frequently criticized for not having a world class striker.

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Arsenal already have quite the strike force. Olivier Giroud is a goal machine and just because he goes cold from time to time does not discredit him. Dennis Bergkamp did not score his first goal in the 1989/99 campaign until October 4th. I dare you to say something bad about Bergkamp.

Behind him, Theo Walcott could be a difference maker if he can sort out becoming a striker and Danny Welbeck could develop as well.

But that does not mean that we should call off the dogs on Karim Benzema. The guy is certainly an ‘exceptional talent’ that would benefit the club to no end. He plays the same style of link-up play that Olivier Giroud does, as he is an assisting maestro as a striker. Not only that but he has added pace that Giroud does not. Couple that with the rest of his all-around class and it is hard to say anything bad about the French hit man.

The price tag on Benzema has steadily risen from 32 million pounds all the way up to where it is now at 48 million pounds, as the reports go. Whether you buy into those rumors or not is your own deal to sort out, but supposedly the 48 million pound deal has been accepted. Given that nothing has happened thus far into the ‘acceptance’ however, I am beginning to question if it did get accepted, just like the numerous other offers that have been ‘accepted.’

So what is the hang up? Well, it most certainly is not the price tag. I am fairly confident that Arsene Wenger, while renowned for his penny-pinching abilities, is not holding off buying Karim Benzema because of a 10 to 20 million pound difference in price. He is one of those players that, if he is available, you take him.

Wenger spoke about his prospective transfers, saying via ESPNFC: “The funds are there, people know that you have the resources, but the players are not available. We expect, like you, but at the moment, we are not close.”

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That has really always been the case with Arsenal. The funds are there and ready to be spent but you cannot pay your way to a player being available. If Real Madrid have big plans for Karim Benzema they will not sell him – not for 50 million, not for 100 million.

Price has never been the hang up for Wenger. Obviously he is not going to go crazy spending 30 million on a back-up left back, but he is not going to not sign Karim Benzema if Real Madrid want 50 million and Wenger is only willing to offer 45 million.

The problem is availability. Wenger has made the point numerous times, the problem is not paying the price, the problem is finding the perfect player. Prices may be inflating, but players are not readily available like a supermarket, as he put it.

If this deal can be done, it will be done. Arsene Wenger is on the job and there is no one better to lock this up.

Next: Is Giroud's talent being misjudged

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