According to reports from Spanish website MercaFutbol, Arsenal are planning a €47m (£40.5m) move for Real Madrid goal-getter Karim Benzema.

What’s the story?

Well, in what seems to be a cmd+c job from each of the past four summers, Arsenal are being aligned with Benzema. The cost? £40.5m (not an insane figure in today’s climate). MercaFutbol go into some depth, suggesting Arsene Wenger wants his compatriot to lead the line at the Emirates Stadium, although they concede that a deal is extremely unlikely.

Why won’t it happen?

Well, Real Madrid are facing a transfer ban. The Spaniards, alongside their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid, were found guilty of breaking FIFA rules in relation to signing youth players, which has seen them forbidden from registering new additions until early 2018. Although this sanction won’t block them from selling, it seems unlikely a key player will be allowed to move away if they can't sign a replacement. MercaFutbol also suggest that a new contract offer is being readied for the 28-year-old.

How could it happen?

Should Real Madrid successfully get the ban overturned or suspended, which appears unlikely, they may opt for a shoppong splurge in January. To free up space and bring in cash, Benzema, at the age of 28, might be an appealing ‘asset’ in the transfer market. Even with the ban imposed there remains a chance of cashing in, with Alvaro Morata capable of playing as the club’s main centre-forward - although options beyond him are not plentiful.

How would he fit at Arsenal?

As the numbers (crunched by Squawka) show, Benzema is a much more traditional centre-forward than many of Arsenal’s options - Olivier Giroud aside, obviously. His return in terms of goals was far superior to any of the Gunners’ main strikers last season, although there are the obvious caveats - namely the teams in which they played, the players around them and the divisions. However, Benzema’s low take-ons count hints that he spends more time around the 18-yard box, making him the sort of striker Arsenal need in terms of positioning and finishing ability.

Will it happen?

Probably not. Arsenal have been aligned with Benzema for some time, yet a deal has failed to come into fruition. And with Real facing two windows of no transfer activity, parting with their main centre-forward makes little sense.