Arsenal Interested In $60.4M Transfer For Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema

Arsenal is targeting Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema for a potential transfer worth more than $60 million, according to a report. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied that any deal is imminent but admitted that he's not discounting the possibility of acquiring the French striker.

The Guardian reported the probable transfer of Benzema to Arsenal along with confirming the $16.1 million acquisition of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea and Arsenal’s decision to pass on Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal.

“I don’t know where that story comes from, but that is not happening at the moment. I am happy with the squad we have. If I find an exceptional player to strengthen, I will do it,” Wenger said in the article. “It depends what’s on the market. It is not easy; there are a lot of teams out there in Europe competing for the same player. We don’t rule it out and [also] don’t guarantee we sign.”

Wenger went on to say that Arsenal is “not far away” from the Premier League title and has a chance in the competitive league next season. Arsenal finished with a 22-9-7 record in 2014-2015 ranking behind Chelsea (26-9-3) and Manchester City (24-7-7).

Benzema has played for Lyon from 2004 to 2009 and Real Madrid from 2009 to 2015, producing a total of 145 goals in 330 games. He has also represented the French soccer national team since 2004 and is part of the senior club since 2007. He has 25 goals in 77 caps so far in his international career.