Arsenal are reportedly upping their interest in Karim Benzema ahead of a summer move for the Frenchman – and there probably isn't a more...
As a natural striker, Olivier Giroud has only managed to impress consistently in that role. Theo Walcott showed glimpses of quality there at the end of last season, whilst Danny Welbeck's lack of prolificness still makes him an awkward looking fit up top. Youngsters Chuba Akpom and Yaya Sanogo may offer something to the squad in the future, but neither are currently capable of spearheading a title charge.
To win the title, Arsenal either need luck with injuries or Walcott and Welbeck to develop into clinical strikers. If that doesn't happen then Arsene Wenger needs to make an addition, and I can't think of many better options than Benzema.
At 27, he's in his prime years and has performed consistently well at the highest level for a number of years. On the back of an excellent season at Madrid, where he scored 21 goals and grabbed 11 assists in 38 games – nobody can question his ability. But new manager Rafael Benitez reportedly wants to make Crstiano Ronaldo his main striker and media have also linked Madrid with a move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
When you look at Arsenal's title rivals, they have top level depth up front. Whilst we have tonnes of attacking midfielders – probably the best in the league, we need a world class striker to score important goals consistently. Benzema can do just that and fire us to the title.
Akpom and Sanogo are likely to go out on loan for the season, whilst Lukas Podolski has already left for Galatasaray. Joel Campbell could also be on his way to Turkey with a £3.6million move to Besiktas reportedly close.
There's room on the wage bill and definitely funds to make a £40m move for the striker, so hopefully, if he does become available – Arsenal will pounce.
