Real Madrid have allegedly accepted a 48 million bid from Arsenal for Karim Benzema, according to a prominent pundit on UK radio.Rodney Marsh toldTalkSporton Wednesday's late night football showThe Sports Barthat one of his trusted sources had revealed the deal to him:"I had a phone call from a mate of mine, and hes been right on many things, and he said that he believes Real Madrid have accepted a bid somewhere in the region of 48million for [Karim] Benzema fromArsenal.In the past this guy has always been right, hes never been wrong yet, so well have to wait and see."FIFA Weekly and FourFourTwowriter Emanuele Giulianelli has also followed Marsh's lead and claimed a deal could be announced by Arsenal in the coming days:The move would be considered a shock with only days of the transfer window remaining, leaving Los Blancos coach Rafael Benitez no time to recruit a world-class striker for his starting XI.But Real's loss would be the Gunners' gain, and Benzema's arrival will make Arsene Wenger's side as many pundits' favourite for the Premier League title.Benzema has often been criticised by those who do not believe he is Galactico quality, but the Frenchman has earned the reputation as one of the world's truly elite centre forwards.The 27-year-old is one of the best in the business, supplementing the Los Blancos goal supply provided by Cristiano Ronaldo for many years.The attacker was once again in tremendous form last season as he hit 21 goals in 38 La Liga and Champions League appearances, perWhoScored.com, also providing 11 assists.Arsenal have been crying out for a world-class striker for many yearssince the departure of Thierry Henryand Benzema would give Wenger the firepower he craves ahead of his sumptuous midfield unit.Gunners Eye Spanish Defensive MidfielderAs Arsenal prepare to take one of La Liga's top talents in Benzema, they also want to snag one of the division's unsung heroes in Villarreal's Bruno Soriano.The Yellow Submarine midfielder has been with his current side his whole career, and a move to Arsenal would surely appeal to the 31-year-old Spain international.Villarreal are one of the true La Liga success stories of recent times, and Bruno has played a pivotal role in the side's excellent defensive formation.It wasGiulianelli who once again broke the latest news of Arsenal's interest but also claimed Wenger is watching Lars Bender:Soriano or Bender would be shrewd captures by Wenger, but it is the mention of Benzema that will get supporters' hearts racing in anticipation.The Gunners need an alpha male striker in their squad, with Olivier Giroud not having the flexibility to fight on all fronts every week.Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck offer the side variation, but Benzema would bring an undoubted threat against any defence in Europe.Benzema could be the missing piece in the Arsenal jigsaw, and if Wenger completes the huge deal for the player, both Chelsea and Manchester City will be looking over their shoulders with a look of fear in their eyes.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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