Arsenal Transfer News: Karim Benzema Bid Prepared, Latest Arturo Vidal Rumours
Arsenal will test Real Madrid's resolve to keep striker Karim Benzema with a summer bid, according to Greg Stobart of Goal.com.
Stobart suggests "Benzema is interested in a move to north London if the club are able to agree a deal," with a potential £35 million switch in the offing. The French striker was crucial to Carlo Ancelotti's attacking trident—stationed as the central pillar between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale—but remains the most dispensable of the three.
Benzema scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists in 29 La Liga matches during the 2014-15 La Liga campaign, per WhoScored.com. However, Ancelotti's sacking, reported by BBC Sport, could see him moved on in order for the new boss to stamp his image on the squad.
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Stobart believes Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is "ready to listen" to offers for Olivier Giroud, who would be surplus to requirements if his countryman arrived at the Emirates Stadium. Giroud's form fluctuated wildly throughout 2014-15, once again suggesting he will never be capable of firing Arsenal to the Premier League title.
He netted 12 and provided four assists in 15 matches between January and April, per WhoScored.com. However, he has failed to produce anything in eight fixtures since. Unfortunately for Giroud, 14 Premier League goals is decent but not great for a leading Gunners striker perhaps a summary of his tenure.
Benzema's powerful hold-up play and ability to bring runners into possession could work excellently at Arsenal. He is also a clinical finisher and an underrated team player.
Juventus 'Accept' Vidal Departure Amid Arsenal Link
Wenger can be expected to add further physicality and combativeness to his squad throughout the summer. Spanish publication Fichajes.net (h/t George Bellshaw of the Metro) reports Arsenal are ready to pay £25 million for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal.
"Juventus have begun their search for new enforcements after they have accepted Vidal's departure," writes Bellshaw.
Vidal is routinely linked with a move to the Premier League, as Nick Ames of the Guardian reports.
His hard-tackling nature is backed up by tremendous quality on the ball, which sees him ping accurate passes and score memorable goals for the Old Lady. Vidal's partnership with youngster Paul Pogba has been key to Juve's Serie A success this season and played a major role in helping Massimiliano Allegri's men to the Champions League final.
A central worker of this style and quality would be excellent for Arsenal. Wenger's men found their best form of the 2014-15 season with Francis Coquelin stationed on the halfway line, but Vidal would up the side's intensity even further.
He could also prove to be an excellent tutor to Coquelin, who is quickly improving under Wenger's gaze.
Bleacher Report UK's James McNicholas believes Arsenal can challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title next season:
Benzema and Vidal represent the level of quality Wenger should be looking to land. The arrival of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez over the past two summers has confirmed Arsenal are looking to sign superstars on a regular basis.
With the striking and defensive midfield positions currently an obvious weakness for Wenger, targeting Benzema and Vidal makes complete sense. Arsenal would do quite well to land one, but they certainly need world-class investment to improve on this year's third-place finish.
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