Transfer News: Real Madrid accepts Arsenal's bid for Karim Benzema, claims Rodney Marsh

Arsenal has been strongly linked with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen the Gunners’ Premier League campaign before the transfer window closes. Real Madrid have publicly hinted that Benzema will remain at Bernabeu, but recent reports suggested that Los Blancos have accepted Arsenal’s bid for the French international.

Former football player Rodney Marsh claimed that Real have accepted a £48 million (AU$102.7 million) bid from Arsenal for Benzema. Marsh, who had played for Manchester City, was quoted by talkSPORT saying that he had a phone call from a mate regarding the same.

“I had a phone call from a mate of mine, and he’s been right on many things, and he said that he believes Real Madrid have accepted a bid somewhere in the region of £48million for Benzema from Arsenal,” Marsh said, reports Football-Talk.

Arsenal has been initially encouraged to pursue Benzema when Real boss Rafa Benitez took charge at the Bernabeu due to his interest in playing Cristiano Ronaldo as a central striker. That would have left the Frenchman fighting for a spot in the team’s rotation.

On the other hand, Benzema could certainly improve Arsenal’s attacking options and could lead the line in front of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, and Theo Walcott. The 27-year-old Benzema is considered one of the best all-around strikers in football and has a career record of 214 goals in 449 games.

However, while Wenger is keen on bringing Benzema to Emirates Stadium, Real continues to hold firm of the French striker, reports Independent. Real president Florentino Perez is a huge admirer of Benzema and has made it clear that he wants him to stay with Los Blancos having only signed a contract extension until 2019 last summer.

Arsenal’s bid to land Benzema has yet to be dealt as the club has not received any indications the French international has had a change of mind over his immediate future, but Wenger claimed the club would certainly jump into the opportunity.

“If something exceptional turns up, we will do it,” Wenger said.

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