OFFICIAL NOW: Arsenal announced the signing of Karim Benzema,Player pen 2yr deal with Arsenal last night, Medical completed – Here we go
Mikel Arteta admitted earlier this month that it is possible that Arsenal do not bring anyone in this January. Premier League finance rules are restricting the Gunners as much as any other team with club owners cautious not to overstep limits given the ten-point punishment handed out to Everton in November.
That said, it is clear that Arsenal need a prolific goal-getter with neither Eddie Nketiah or Gabriel Jesus proving to be the answer. The failure to bring in an attacker could be the difference in a sustained title charge this season.
It is no surprise, then, that links with Balon d’Or winner Karim Benzema have cropped up amid his rumoured unrest in Saudi Arabia. While an appealing prospect on paper, there are several risks attached with a move.
The 36-year-old’s wages, age and style compatibility are all concerns. The player has seemed to shut down the possibility anyway, with French publication L’Equipe reporting that Benzema has rubbished exit speculation.
That closes the possibility of Arteta and sporting director Edu making decisions that may upset a number of supporters. In order to facilitate an arrival for Benzema, players would undoubtedly have to be moved on.
Emile Smith Rowe is already being tipped for an exit amid limited game time at the Emirates Stadium but several other academy graduates may have to be considered for sales. Youth product sales help massively towards offsetting FFP deficits given they are guaranteed to make a profit having initially cost nothing or little.
Aside from Bukayo Saka, who is essential, the next two academy products who would be sold for the most money are Nketiah and Reiss Nelson. Both are much-loved figures among the fanbase, so their exits would cause dissatisfaction.
There is a school of thought from some supporters that selling Nketiah would be worth the gamble if it meant bringing in a prolific striker such as an Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak or Ollie Watkins. Benzema, though, would not fit that bill.
Not only would his contract demands be larger but longevity-wise, a transfer does not make sense and would go against Arteta’s recruitment traits. Even a short-term loan deal would raise questions, especially amid tight FFP thresholds.
The sacrifices Arsenal may have had to consider to land Benzema would undoubtedly do more harm than good, but it is one possibility that would have to be faced if an approach was sanctioned. It’s more likely, though, that Arteta ultimately does not bring anyone in, as first mooted.
