Persistent target Karim Benzema appears to be that little bit closer to a move from Lyon to the Premier League (The People).

It is being reported that the front-runners Arsenal and Man United are going head-to-head to pick up the free-scoring striker from the French champions. A deal will be well-and-truly on the table once Alain Perrin’s side have been toppled from the Champions League.

United were hoping to offer Louis Saha as a make-weight in the deal, but I fail to see how that would help matters. Chelsea were said to want the French international to replace Didier Drogba, but surely Nicolas Anelka goes someway to filling that hole anyway?

'I would say that it is more than 50/50 that Benzema will leave Lyon in the summer - with the Emirates the likely destination'


Rafa Benitez is also said to be a fan of Benzema, and while a strike partner for Fernando Torres would be a good idea, I don’t think the Lyon man will be too high on the Anfield list.

That leaves Arsenal, who I believe are the most realistic contenders. Do the Gunners need a £20m striker? Well, I think he would be very handy and given his age and potential he would be a player right up Arsene’s street. Without wishing to add to the speculation I would say that it is more than 50/50 that Benzema will leave Lyon in the summer - with the Emirates the likely destination.

Where will he end up - Arsenal, Manchester Utd or Chelsea? Post your comments below or submit an article to Sportingo.