Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema Rumours

The Bernabeu has been somewhat quiet in this summer's transfer window, but Real Madrid could be preparing for a minor exodus following news Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema could be set to exit the club.

It looks likely Thiago Motta will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and French newspaper Le Parisian (via Inside Spanish Football) reports Kroos is being eyed as his ideal successor.

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The report alleges Atletico Madrid are favourites to re-sign midfielder Motta, with PSG boss Laurent Blanc presumably hoping to replace the Italy international with a more youthful figure.

Kroos is just a single season into the six-year deal he penned upon signing from Bayern Munich last summer and recently gave new manager Rafa Benitez his pledge of support, per Goal's Mark Doyle:

"I think we have a good chance to win titles with him. I hope to have a good year. He talks a lot with everybody and wants to create a good team. But is difficult to win trophies, particularly the Champions League, as there are always four or five candidates to win."

The 25-year-old's first term in the Spanish capital didn't go entirely to plan as former helmsman Carlo Ancelotti was sacked following his failure to win a title.

That being said, Kroos has been showing promising signs in pre-season and teed up Cristiano Ronaldo for a superbly worked goal during Real's 4-1 dismantling of Manchester City in the International Champions Cup, per 101 Great Goals:

The World Cup winner made 36 La Liga appearances last season and was a particularly prominent figure while Luka Modric was sidelined with several injuries.

Blanc is unlikely to let Motta leave without bringing in a replacement to partner Marco Verratti in midfield, but Real are also under no pressure to let Kroos leave their ranks.

Inside Spanish Football reference a report from Spanish newspaper Sport, which insists PSG will go after Barcelona middle-man Sergio Busquets should they fail to land Kroos.

Arsenal Set Aside Summer Benzema Fund

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A renewed move for Real's Benzema may yet see Arsenal land their long-term target after the French striker re-emerged as the Gunners' summer priority.

And according to Spanish newspaper AS (via the Mirror's Liam Corless) the North London giants would be willing to break their transfer record in order to land the attacker.

Metro's Jamie Sanderson sources the same report, adding that Wenger "is believed to have set aside £45.8 million" to clinch Benzema's signature, a figure that could be sufficient to test the Spaniards' resolve.

The news also comes after Francesc Gimeno of Spanish newspaper Sport alleged Benzema could fall down Benitez's pecking order this season, with Ronaldo and Gareth Bale sitting as the primary forwards:

Danny Welbeck was brought in last summer as an alternative to first-choice front man Olivier Giroud, but the former Manchester United starlet continued his struggle for form in England's capital.

Benzema took to his official Instagram account last week, posting an image of himself on a private jet to send Arsenal fans into delirium, pondering what the striker could possibly be hinting:

Real Madrid let Alvaro Morata join Juventus last summer with Benzema as their first-choice striker, but rumours have remained as fervent as ever that the France international could move elsewhere.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe isn't so quick to buy into speculation, however, recently discussing the incessant Benzema-to-Arsenal rumours with Ryan Bailey:

Giroud has proven to be an extremely capable asset for Wenger and Co. when fully fit, but the Gunners have long sought after that truly world-class figure up front to compete with the likes of United, Chelsea and Manchester City.

The alleged war chest set aside to challenge for Benzema may yet see them acquire such a talent, but it's unlikely Real will allow their star to go anywhere before sourcing a replacement of their own.