The league leaders traveled to Old Trafford to face current champions Manchester United in a highly pulsating league clash which ended in a United triumph, which cut off their deficit behind Arsenal to 5 points.
The London giants looked worn out following their back to back big game fixtures against Liverpool and a trip to Borussia Dortmund. They did not manage to create much up front as their lone striker Olivier Giroud was kept well in check by the United center-backs- with many suggesting that Vidic bullied Giroud while he was on.
The defeat seems to have shaken Wenger up, who now strongly feels that Arsenal’s over reliance on Giroud is like flirting with disaster. The only back up is Nicklas Bendtner and just one injury to Giroud could see Arsenal drop points and surrender their lead very quickly. Therefore, he feels that getting another striker in the January transfer window is top priority before things get out of control.
Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema was one of the names linked to Arsenal in the summer, and Wenger is now keen to reignite his interest in the Frenchman. The striker is finally settling in the Madrid team following the departure of Gonzalo Higuain, and his goal tally is also increasing gradually. Despite his recent resurgence, Daily Mail state that the Spanish outfit would consider selling him since they still retain their interest in Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.
According to sources, Benzema was also in talks with Galatasaray over a potential January move, however the Turkish side have baulked at Madrid’s asking price of €33 million. That price could be matched by Arsenal who have money left in their bank account for transfers. Insiders suggest that Benzema has been in constant touch with his former team-mate Mesut Ozil, who is speaking highly of life at Arsenal following his dramatic Deadline Day switch from the Bernabeu.
That could indeed turn out to be a major factor in Arsenal bagging yet another Madrid player this season. With Wenger also being a long-term admirer of Benzema, do you see him going all out this time around for him and possibly signing him in January?