Transfer news: Suarez to Madrid, Benzema to Arsenal

After pausing for a brief post-transfer window hiatus, two of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas have been resumed this morning, with reports filtering out of the Spanish capital suggesting Real Madrid are optimistic of a January deal for Luis Suarez. According to the Independent, the Spanish club  has already alerted Arsenal to the January availability of Karim Benzema, with the thinking that a deal for the Frenchman could fund their move for the want-away Liverpool striker.

The asking price for the Benzema is rumoured to have slashed to £20m, as los Blancos attempt to make room at the Bernabeu for Suarez. The former Lyon striker would add competition for places to a Gunners forward line that is worryingly lacking in numbers in support of lone frontman Olivier Giroud. Benzema has featured in every game for Madrid this season, but the side have made no secret of their desires for Suarez, and the Frenchman seems to be on borrowed time at the Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancellotti’s side, along with Arsenal, chased Suarez for much of the summer, but Liverpool’s stand against player power saw the Uruguay international stay at Anfield despite the player’s best efforts. However, the Reds would be less able to withstand a bid from Real Madrid than they were from Arsenal – a side in the same league – and may have less appetite to do so if they player again, as expected, expresses a wish to leave.

Benzema has only scored two league goals in eight starts for Real Madrid this season, meaning he has scored every 325.5 minutes. If Suarez kept up his current scoring record (3 in 180 minutes) he would score five in  the same time Benzema takes to score one.