Arsenal lining up stunning raid for Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema if Arsene Wenger loses Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal could reportedly launch a sensational late summer bid for France international forward Karim Benzema, according to Diario Gol.

The Premier League side, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Stoke City last weekend, have been freshly linked with the Real Madrid striker, should the club lose star player Alexis Sanchez before next Thursday’s transfer window deadline.

The 29-year-old, who has 81 international caps for his country, has scored one goal and provided one assist in four games already this term for the defending La Liga champions.

Benzema, who arrived at the Bernabeu back in July 2009 following his move from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, scored 19 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions last season as Zinedine Zidane’s side beat FC Barcelona to the league title and fought off Juventus in the 2017 UEFA Champions League final.

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.

The report suggests that if fellow forward Sanchez leaves the Emirates before next Thursday’s deadline, with Premier League rivals Manchester City and French giants Paris Saint-Germain being linked with the Chilean’s services, then Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will make a last-ditch raid for his long-term target Benzema.

The striker has netted an impressive 182 goals in 369 outings for Madrid in eight years.