Arsenal consider shock move for Karim Benzema

Arsenal are considering a shock move for Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema before the January transfer deadline.

The Frenchman has netted 12 goals and provided three assists this season but he is now thinking about a return to European football.

The Gunners are one of the clubs monitoring him and could make an approach to land him on loan for the rest of the season.

Benzema is a world-class striker and he has netted a stunning 43 goals for Madrid and Al-Ittihad since the start of the previous campaign.

Despite being 36, he would be an upgrade on the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who have netted a combined 13 goals this term.

Both strikers have been unconvincing in the Premier League, and the Gunners desperately need a marquee option this winter.

Benzema would prove a clever piece of business for the Gunners if he is prepared to accept a huge pay-cut to make the switch.

He could be tempted to test himself in the Premier League, having been linked with a move to the division since his Lyon days.