Arsenal: Karim Benzema makes for too many cooks

Arsenal have once again been linked with a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema. The Frenchman, while talented, would make for many cooks in the kitchen.

Arsenal is linked with yet another striker. I know, it’s crazy. The club already has a plethora of strikers, something that hasn’t been true for a while, but given that this is modern football and we are all obsessed with transfers, so are the papers. And so the reports keep coming.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

Karim Benzema has been linked with a move to North London once more.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

One of Real Madrid’s talisman for many years, Benzema has been linked with a move to Arsenal for the past five years. Plying his trade at Real Madrid since 2009, he has been prolific since joining, scoring 127 times. He is a strong and powerful striker who can cause any team defensive problems thanks to his rounded game. He is as adept in the air as he is on the ground, he is a classy dribbler, can play a pass, and boasts deceptive speed, especially for his size.

Joining Madrid Madrid from Lyon in 2009 for £30 million, he turned out to be a wonderful addition to an already talented side. He scored five goals in their opening summer tournament, which hinted at good things. Those hints were vindicated. He has just made his 100th Champions League appearance, he has helped spearhead a fearsome Real attack to three Champions Leagues in the last four years, and has been liked by several different managers, all seeing his influence as a focal point for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to play off.

However, with the additions of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal are now stocked in that department. Both are world-class strikers who have established themselves in the first XI. It doesn’t really make sense, from a number’s standpoint, to add another into the mix.

It would only push the likes of Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi down the pecking order, stunt the growth of Eddie Nketiah, someone who needs growing game time and confidence to continue his career, and would take time away from two players who are younger, arguably better, and cost the Gunners a whole lot of money.

Speaking of money, Benzema has a whopping €1 billion release clause in his contract, something that no team in Europe would be willing to pay. Madrid would also be unwilling to sell as he is their only recognized striker in the first XI with the sales of Alvaro Morata to Chelsea and Mariano to Lyon. With these types of losses upfront, it would take a lot for Madrid to part ways with such a prolific striker — They would need to raise enough funds to sign a replacement.

Next: Arsenal Vs Atletico Madrid: 3 ways Gunners can win

Karim Benzema would definitely fit the striker mold for Arsene Wenger. Someone who is strong, tall and keen to score. But he isn’t an upgrade on what is already there, he would only be adding to the depth, a role that younger players would benefit from far greater, and he would not come cheap. All in all, then, I’m not really sure where these reports came from.