Arsenal Transfer Rumor: Gunners Gaining Momentum on Real Madrid’s £30M Karim Benzema?

Arsenal, according to the Italian media, are preparing an ambitious bid to lure away Spanish heavy weight Real Madrid's French striker Karim Benzema to the Emirates Stadium as soon as the transfer window opens in January.

According to the reports, Benzema, 23, is one of the top names in Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's shopping list and the North London team will look to bring in the player as a support striker for its Dutch skipper Robin van Persie.

Arsenal were linked to Benzema many times by both English and foreign media in the past. Therefore, it is no real surprise that the rumors linking to Benzema's arrival at the Emirates Stadium still persists.

Although no solid fee has still been mentioned for the France international, it is widely believed that Real will at least hope for a valuation of around £30 million for the player who has been a regular in the Real squad this season. It is to be seen if the Gunners agree to such a sum for the player as they are commonly known for not spending much during the transfer season.

Karim Benzema, who arrived from French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon in 2009 for a fee of around £35 million, has made a total of 102 appearances where he has managed to score 48 times.