Arsenal Transfer News: Karim Benzema Sale Eyed by Madrid to Fund Sergio Aguero

Arsenal may yet retain hope of signing Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, as the Frenchman will reportedly be sold to fund a move for Sergio Aguero.

According to Fichajes.net (via George Bellshaw of Metro) Real president Florentino Perez "has decided that he wants to lure Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to Real Madrid this summer and will therefore let Benzema leave" for £46 million.

The Gunners would benefit greatly from Benzema's presence up front.

The Frenchman scored 22 goals in all competitions last season and assisted a further 15.

Though Arsenal have Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez, both of whom enjoyed prolific seasons in front of goal last year, Benzema is a world-class talent who has much to offer the north London outfit.

Alberto Saiz/Associated Press

The striker's lethal finishing, admirable work rate and creativity would transform their front line into an even more potent unit.

Sports writer Jonas Giaever noted the impact the France international's arrival could have:

"

Benzema is on the way somewhere it seems. If it's North London then I think that places Arsenal firmly in the title picture this season.

— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) July 28, 2015"

As for Aguero, Real's interest in him is understandable despite the vast quantities of goals they're already capable of producing.

The Argentinian is an upgrade even on the excellent Benzema. Former England defender Rio Ferdinand believes both to be among the world's best strikers, the former being at the very top:

Aguero netted 32 times for Manchester City last season, creating nine for his team-mates.

The 27-year-old's incredible pace and notoriously quick feet makes him one of the deadliest players in world football, and the star epitomises the kind of "Galactico" signing Los Blancos are famous for making.

Alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, the forward would give Real one of the quickest attacking lineups in the world.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Unfortunately for both Arsenal and Madrid, Benzema's move hinges on Perez's ability to prise Aguero away from City—which seems unlikely.

Aside from City's inevitably fierce resistance to any move for their star player, Aguero seems content to remain in Manchester.

According to David McDonnell of the Mirror, he said in June: "The truth is yes, I’m very happy. I’m enjoying these four years that I’ve had at City and there are still many more years to come. I’m very happy."

Further, Spanish football expert and Bleacher Report columnist Guillem Balague reports that Benzema is expected to stay at the Bernabeu:

Ultimately, it seems as though both players are staying put this summer.

Real are unlikely to part with Benzema without Aguero coming in, and likewise City won't allow their man to depart as replacing his quality is nearly impossible.

Los Blancos can afford to wait for Aguero, though, as they are still fully capable of challenging for silverware with Benzema and will no doubt continue to do so next season.

However, without adding someone of Benzema's quality up front, it looks to be another season of fighting for a runners-up spot in the Premier League for Arsenal.