Which top clubs could capture Karim Benzema this summer?
As football fans well know, whenever Spanish giants Real Madrid fail to sweep the board for silverware, the club reacts instantly.
Nothing less than perfection will do for Los Blancos, and ex-coach Carlo Ancelotti has already paid the price for finishing second, perhaps signalling the start of an overhaul.
Could France forward Karim Benzema be next in any summer cull? The classy striker is said to be coveted by numerous clubs, should Real be ready for a reshuffle.
Often a fantastic foil for the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Benzema may benefit from being the centre of attention elsewhere. So, Coral writers consider the best destinations talented 27-year-old. Here’s what we came up with…
Arsenal: 5/2
The Gunners have made serious statements of intent in recent summers, splashing the cash on the likes Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, and could look to make another marquee signing as they rally for a title challenge.
French frontman Olivier Giroud hit a fantastic goal haul this term, but his lack of dynamism can sometimes stunt Arsenal’s attack. Adding Benzema’s slick link-up play and intelligence to the mix, alongside flexible forwards Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck, could provide Arsene Wenger with an enviable array of tactical options.
PSG: 3/1
With Uruguay hitman Edinson Cavani said to be seeking pastures new, and Sweden superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic no longer a spring chicken, the Parisians seem likely to pounce for a new attacking talisman.
Having won it all with Real, a triumphant return to his home country may be tempting for Benzema, who could link up with Les Bleus teammate Blaise Matuidi at the Parc des Princes.
Watch the best of Benzema here:
Monaco: 8/1
Radamel Falcao is not expected to stay put at the French principality club this summer, with Dimitar Berbatov, another former Manchester United man, also on the market, leaving space for a new recruit.
Luring experienced Benzema to Ligue 1, to work alongside burgeoning Gallic talent Anthony Martial, would be a huge coup for Monaco, who will be eager to improve on their third place finish.
Manchester United: 3/1
The Red Devils’ links to Benzema never seem to disappear, and the Manchester club could finally snap up their apparent long-term target.
With Dutch dangerman Robin van Persie and Mexico Marksman Javier Hernandez’s Old Trafford futures uncertain, and United’s strikers struggling for goals, Louis van Gaal could look to add fresh legs, hunger and versatility to his squad.
Benzema would provide all this, and more, in spades, and looks to be an ideal fit for Man Utd’s new possession-based philosophy.
Juventus: 5/1
The Old Lady seem to have all but sewn up the capture of sought-after Argentine Paulo Dybala, who should complement Juve’s superb collection of strikers, including Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez, perfectly.
However Basque attacker Llorente’s future may lie elsewhere, while rumours of a return to South America surround top scorer Tevez.
It is unlikely that the Italian giants would delve into the coffers for two high-profile poachers but, should they lift the Champions League and lose two of their current roster, the Turin team may not want to miss the opportunity to raid Real for a second sharpshooter in two summers.
