Arsenal close in on deal for striker on as Real Madrid ‘consider’ £45m Karim Benzema offer

ARSENAL’s move to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is edging ever close, according to reports.

Benzema has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Emirates as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his attacking options and bring his marquee summer signing.

And Italian sports journalist Emanuele Giulianelli claims the Gunners have made a £45million bid to sign Benzema and Real are thought to be considering the offer.

“Benzema deal is on: best offer is from Arsenal, £45mln. They will take a decision soon. He wants to reach Wenger,” Giulianelli wrote on Twitter.

However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is thought to be Wenger’s first-choice alternative if a deal for Benzema falls through.