Manchester United Target Karim Benzema

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Sreya

Karim Benzema has emerged as a target for Louis van Gaal and Manchester United, reported The Guardian earlier today. The French international had scored 22 goals in 46 appearances for Real Madrid in the 2014/15 season and also assisted 10 of his teammates’ goals. While that is not a prolific return by any means, Benzema sure has the firepower to uplift the struggling United attack.

The 27-year-old put his pen to a new five year contract last season only and would not have been expected to move if Carlo Ancelotti was still at helm. However, with Rafael Benitez widely speculated to be taking over, the futures of a quite a few Real Madrid stars are uncertain. Moreover, the Spanish club is pretty eager to sign David de Gea as a replacement for Iker Casillas, who has continued his decline in form.

While David de Gea has been linked to Los Galacticos in a £30m move, Benzema could be a part of a swap-deal if van Gaal decides to cash in, on Manchester United’s Player of the Year. Real Madrid values Karim Benzema at £40m.

Arsenal will rival any bid Manchester United makes for the French centre forward, as Arsene Wenger remains on a hunt for a proven goalscorer and a partner for Olivier Giroud, as he aims to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

A lack of a viable replacement in the market may put off Real Madrid from selling Benzema but the European media has been rife with speculations regarding the forward who began his career in Lyon.