Karim Benzema Real Madrid
In four years Karim Benzema has scored 61 goals for Real Madrid. Reuters

Two new faces could wear a Real Madrid kit come this winter, as Los Blancos battle for position in La Liga.

Rumors are still insisting Carlo Ancelotti’s side have their sights firmly set on snatching blistering striker Luis Suarez from Liverpool for a £50 million fee, according to the Daily Mirror. Currently tied for the Premier League lead with eight goals, Suarez was sought after by many of Europe’s top clubs during the summer session, causing a perceived rift between the Uruguayan and Reds manager Brendan Rodgers and teammates.

First-place Arsenal also had their eyes fixed on Suarez, but even the inclination of a deal to Madrid has scared the Gunners enough that they are considering an alternative transfer for Los Blancos forward Karim Benzema to the tune of a £22 million fee.

Considering how well £86 million-Welshman Gareth Bale has adjusted to his new digs in Spain, Los Blancos and Ancelotti might allow the French star to leave. Bale has filled Mesut Ozil’s role well with five assists and three goals for Madrid, and has made a smooth adjustment to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s right-hand man.

Racking up six goals and five assists this campaign, Benzema’s production could also be supplemented by German and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. The 23-year-old has garnered interest from Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester United, though his father denied that a deal was already struck with the Bernabeu, according to Metro.

It was originally reported Los Blancos had come to a first-refusal agreement with Gundogan, a move that would have stymied any competition for the player’s services.

Gundogan was integral in Dortmund’s run in Champions League last season, and over the last three year’s he’s notched six goals in 57 appearances, along with eight caps for the German national squad.

Should either Suarez or Gundogan make their way to Spain, it could facilitate Sami Khedira’s departure. Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Khedira, and manager David Moyes could offer as much as £35 million in January, according to the Daily Mirror. Manchester City have also expressed interest though a move next summer was seen as more likely.