Karim Benzema Arsenal Transfer Linked to Harry Kane Real Madrid Rumours

Reports suggest Real Madrid will sell Karim Benzema to fund moves for two of English football's brightest talents: Harry Kane of Tottenham and Liverpool's Raheem Sterling.

David Wright of the Express noted a report by Spanish website Fichajes.net that claims the Galacticos will offload the French star to Arsenal, with Manchester United also monitoring the Los Blancos striker.

Wright explained that Carlo Ancelotti has been alerted to the rising prominence of Kane after his breakout season for Spurs in the Premier League.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

However, coach Mauricio Pochettino has recently ruled out a move for Kane and is confident the versatile attacker will not be leaving White Hart Lane, per Wright:

"Harry [Kane] will be at Tottenham for a long time. I am the head coach, I have to take decisions in the best interests of the team and Harry is an important player for us."

Kane has been central to the manager's plans this term and has found the back of the net frequently.

He has scored 13 goals in 16 starts in the Premier League and Europa League, per WhoScored.com, while also bagging two assists for his team.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

But Kane would have truly come onto Madrid's radar for his exceptional display against Chelsea where the forward gave a virtuoso performance—as Spurs thrashed the league leaders 5-3.

Kane has been a breath of fresh air for Spurs this season, and his work rate and effervescence have kept his side in the hunt for a top-four finish, as noted by complimentary football writer, Iain Macintosh:

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

An Arsenal transfer for Benzema, funding a move for their brightest talent, will infuriate Spurs fans with the real danger Kane will not be able to resist Madrid's calling.

Benzema has been an important member of Los Blancos under Ancelotti and was central to the club's La Decima Champions League success last season.

The striker has formed a wonderful attacking axis with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and fans of the Bernabeu team might be forgiven for wondering why Florentino Perez would sell him.

But as with Angel Di Maria last season—the best player of the Champions League final—Madrid recycle talent at an alarming rate, and Arsenal can exploit this fact.

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

The 27-year-old has once again hit the goal trail this season, and Arsenal could certainly use a world-class striker in their ranks.

Benzema has hit 14 goals in 22 La Liga and European appearances, per WhoScored, and at such a young age he has plenty of years left in him at the top level.

It is unlikely that Madrid see Kane as an out-and-out replacement for Benzema as the two attackers are very different.

Benzema is your typical penalty-box merchant who has to be at the point of the attack. He is much less useful in the wider areas but with CR7 and Bale available to do that, his objectives are therefore simplified.

Kane is a much more rounded player in terms of talent, but he lacks the depth of experience accumulated by Benzema.

His development would crash at Madrid, and even though it would be a dream move for Kane—it would be the wrong choice.

Kane should stay at Spurs for the next few seasons because if he follows the career path of the aforementioned Bale, he will have plenty of opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.