Chelsea, Arsenal offered Real Madrid ace

Premier League giants Chelsea and Arsenal are being linked with a surprise move for Karim Benzema ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline.

The France international has been long associated with a move to the Premier League with the Gunners being main admirers.

According to Spanish sources, Benzema has been offered a route to England this month with Los Blancos prepared to offload him at the earliest opportunity.

The Frenchman was whistled by the club's faithful over the weekend, and the European champions seem to have decided to cash in on the player before he turns 30 by the end of the year.

Alvaro Morata is on the sidelines to replace Benzema as the first-choice centre-forward, and this could see the former Lyon graduate pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.

In his press conference today, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger categorically ruled out a move for his fellow compatriot, and this leaves Chelsea with the opportunity to seal a £21m deal for the talented striker.