• Premier League

Arsenal back in for Real Madrid striker Benzema

ESPN staff
November 12, 2013
ESPN FC: Can Arsenal stay at the top?


Arsene Wenger has stepped up his efforts to strengthen Arsenal's attacking firepower and is reportedly still keen on Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.

The north London club have enjoyed a blistering start to the season but have been forced to rely on the consistent performances of Olivier Giroud as the sole frontman.

And the club's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United has strengthened the debate that Wenger is relying too much on the France international.

But according to the Mirror, Wenger has plans to lighten Giroud's load by making an attempt to secure Benzema from the club from who they signed £42 million Mesut Ozil in August.

Benzema, who has fallen behind Giroud in the France starting line-up, has 18 months left on his contract and is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates despite snubbing their advances last summer.

But the Arsenal hierarchy have made it clear they are prepared to fund Wenger's title push - and a new striker is a priority, with only Nicklas Bendtner as back-up for Giroud, with both Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski on the long term injury list.

Spain international Fernando Llorente could be an alternative should Benzema again disappoint Arsenal officials.

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