Arsenal Linked With £43m Striker - But What Can He Offer The Gunners?

Those who have previously slated Olivier Giroud have been enjoying a nice big slice of humble pie this season, and that goes for the Arsenal-slaggers as well. The French forward has scored four games in eight games so far this season and has helped the Gunners claim top spot in the Premier League. But with limited options up top, Arsene Wenger has had to reintroduce Nicklas Bendtner back from the abyss as back up to Giroud, which isn't ideal. Following a story that the Metro reported over the weekend, claiming that Arsenal will make a big bid for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema in January, we take a look at what the France international could offer the north London side.

Benzema is supposedly struggling with life in the Spanish capital as the Madrid fans continue to single him out as the problem to their recent wobble. He was left out of the 2-0 win over Malaga as a result, which further threw his future into question.

Benzema has struck twice in his eight La Liga games this season but is now on a goalless streak of six matches. The jeers have dented the former Lyon man's confidence and he is playing like a man with no morale.

Benzema is a skillfull player whose pisitioning is second to none. His composure in front of goal, when in the mood, is impeccable, and his physical presence is similar to Giroud's.

He has made 10 key passes, though, claiming two assists, but is lacking in every other area. He has won just 43% of his duels, hit the target with just 43% of his shots and completed 77% of his passes.

There is no doubting that the Frenchman needs a new lease of life from somewhere, and if he was to link up with his compatriots Arsene Wenger, Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Flamini and Olivier Giroud - all of whom are key first team players - then surely Arsenal would be favourites for the title, no?