Karim Benzema has now been linked with a shock move to the Premier League just months after winning the Ballon d'Or.
The Frenchman has endured a frustrating few months since winning the biggest individual award in football, with injuries having resulted in the striker featuring in only seven LaLiga matches so far this season.
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Benzema's injury niggles also saw him ultimately miss out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with France manager Didier Deschamps sending the prolific goalscorer home after he picked up a knock during a training session just days before the tournament kicked off.
Los Blancos' public pursuit of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland earlier this year indicated that the Spanish club were potentially looking to add more competition for the No. 9 role in the squad.
Now, according to El Nacional, with the 14-time UEFA Champions League winners potentially still on the lookout for a new striker due to Benzema's injury struggles of late, Premier League club Arsenal could take advantage of the situation and make a move for the 35-year-old.
It is further claimed that Real's pursuit of a new forward has led to Benzema reconsidering extending his Los Blancos contract, which is set to expire at the end of this season.
The Gunners are said to be interested in luring the veteran to the Emirates as they look to bolster their options up front following Gabriel Jesus's lengthy injury lay-off.
Mikel Arteta's side are an attractive proposition, too, as they currently have a five-point lead in the Premier League over second-placed Manchester City.
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With Benzema's Los Blancos deal expiring in June 2023, he will be free to enter into talks with any non-Spanish club regarding a potential pre-contract agreement from January.
If he decides not to extend his stay in Madrid, Real may be forced to sell the striker at a cut-price or lose him on a free in six months' time.
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