Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Karim Benzema and Lucas Silva Rumours

The race to sign Real Madrid's star striker is heating up, as Manchester United have seemingly joined Arsenal in their pursuit of the Frenchman.

According to Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, the Red Devils "are not actively seeking a centre-forward," but the club are nevertheless keeping tabs on Karim Benzema should he become available.

Per Izzy Horsefield of the Express, United boss Louis van Gaal said: 

"

We don't have to change, but when we can improve we shall do that, but only in our way and not in the way people are suggesting. If we had wanted Pedro, it [the deal] was not a problem [to complete] but when Manchester United wants a player he shall come.

"

As for Arsenal, according to Metro, Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli said on Friday, "Arsenal are believed to have rented a Gulfstream private jet to accommodate Benzema on Sunday evening" ahead of a medical on Monday.

Giulianelli has since admitted he is no longer convinced by Arsenal renting the jet but remained confident Benzema will join the north London outfit:

Both sides would benefit greatly from Benzema's presence up front.

The Gunners only have Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud as their prolific forward options, while United goalscoring responsibilities fall largely on Wayne Rooney's shoulders—and the Englishman is currently on a 10-game goalless run for the Red Devils.

As WhoScored.com demonstrates, the Frenchman is not only excellent at taking chances but at making them for others as well:

This ensures he will fit in well at either the Emirates or Old Trafford.

Though Arsenal appear closer to landing the striker's signature than United, don't rule out some late manoeuvring from the Red Devils in an attempt to hijack the Gunners' deal if Benzema does arrive in England for a medical.

Saints Bid for Lucas Silva

According to Metro's George Bellshaw, who cites "Spanish sources," "Southampton have made a transfer offer" for midfielder Lucas Silva.

The 22-year-old arrived at the Bernabeu in January, but with Madrid boasting so many midfield options—now including Mateo Kovacic—the Brazilian struggled to establish himself and will likely make very few first-team appearances for Real this season.

Further, as Bellshaw's report notes, Los Blancos "need to trim one non-EU player from their squad before the season begins," with Silva likely to be the one offloaded, albeit on loan rather than in a permanent move.

Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Per Squawka, Silva won 58 per cent of his duels last season and maintained a passing accuracy of 90 per cent.

Following the sale of Morgan Schneiderlin to United, there's hope for Silva to nail down a starting berth at Southampton.

The youngster has a promising future ahead of him, and the Saints would provide an excellent environment to hone his craft and rack up invaluable minutes on the pitch.