If the barometer of the number of summer signings is the expectations of the supporters, then Karim Benzema would have already been a Gunner. The French forward is an eternal favorite at the Emirates stadium – both for the management and the supporters. Arsenal tried many times to sign him but haven’t been able to, thus far.
This transfer window has seen Wenger fulfilling one of his old wishes – Petr Cech. The former Chelsea goalkeeper was the target at the Emirates even before he landed at Chelsea. So, when Wenger said that he expects to make another signing before the transfer window closes – most of the supporters are hoping it is a deal for Benzema.
Unlike most of the earlier windows, money is not a problem for Wenger this time around. Assurances have been given in public and in private to the manager on any big move he may deem fit. But, Wenger being Wenger is prudent as ever and is looking for value in the market, someone who can fit in his side and can take them to the next level.
Without a doubt, Benzema ticks all these boxes. Though Wenger is frustrated at the shortage of striker options available in the market, he knows pretty well that Benzema could be one signing that he could least afford to miss.
But, all this is if the player is put up in the market or the club is willing to listen to offers or the player is ready to make the move. Sadly for the Gunners, irrespective of the increasing noise and clamour around signing Benzema, none of these conditions hold good.
Wenger is also looking for a strong presence in the centre of his midfield. Though there are a plethora of options available to him, he believes that a leader in the mould of Patrick Vieira is the difference between his current side and the ‘Invincibles’ of Vieira and Co.
Wenger has also categorically said that they are no closer to landing his signing before the transfer window closes. It may be a sour pill to swallow, but Benzema may not be the signing that Wenger is going to sign this window. This could be the last time you could be hearing of the mercurial French forward; but again, Arsenal and Wenger continue to surprise.
But if we don’t get him….
Sridhar