Arsenal will make a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema if Alexis Sanchez leaves the club this summer, according to Spanish football website Don Balón.

What’s The Story?

Much has been made of Alexis Sanchez’s potential departure from the Gunners this summer, with both player and club refusing to comment on the situation at the current moment.

Don Balón has reported that should Alexis part ways with Arsenal during the upcoming transfer window, Arsene Wenger will look to replace him with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

A step in the right direction?

It is no secret that Arsenal need a world class centre forward to really help boost their Premier League title ambitions, and signing Benzema would certainly match that criteria.

The 29-year-old striker has scored an impressive 178 times for Los Blancos, making him the club’s fourth highest ever scorer. Goals haven’t perhaps flowed as readily this season as they have in the past, though, with 15 goals to Benzema's name so far in 2016/17.

Benzema's exit would be a blow to Real Madrid, but not the be all and end all. On the other hand, Arsenal losing Alexis Sanchez would be a completely different story.

Their Chilean superstar - who has scored 25 times this season and made 12 assists - has been one of few shining stars for the Gunners this season. Without him, the situation in North London would be looking a lot worse than it currently is.

Indeed, a move for a player of Benzema's calibre will undoubtedly depend on what level of European competition Arsenal are competition in next season. It is unlikely the France international would agree to a move away from Real Madrid for a club not playing in the Champions League, and the same can be said of Alexis Sanchez's Arsenal future.

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