Arsenal could be set to sell Alexis Sanchez to La Liga giants Real Madrid, but only if they receive French forward Karim Benzema in return.
The Chilean international, who has seen the net 22 times in 14 assists in all competitions, is rumoured to be seeking for a move away from the Emirates this summer.
The Chilean had cut a frustrated figure following the 5-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in February, and this forced manager Arsene Wenger to start him from the bench for the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool – owing to his poor behavior in training.
According to Spanish outlet, Don Balon, the Gunners have now given up all hope of keeping the for Barcelona forward, and are believe to be all set to offer in getting Benzeman in return. Arsenal have a long standing interest in the Real forward Benzeman, who has found life hard at the Bernabeu this season, and would want the forward to come in return.
The strict on there there word that Sanchez will not join a Premier League rival, with Manchester City and Chelsea both showing huge interest in the Chilean.
Having seen former Players such Samir Nasri, and Robin Van Persie leave only to win Premier League with rivals, Arsenal hierarchy are adamant that such embarrassment will not be repeated again.
Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint Germain are all rumoured to be interested in signing Sanchez this summer.
However, it seems Arsene Wenger’s side potential lure of a direct replacement in Benzema has move the European reigning champions into pole position to sign Sanchez. The 29-year-old French forward has never quite become a fan favourite at the Bernabeu.
Nonetheless, despite struggling for form he is still held in high regard by Zinedine Zidane, and there are suggestions the striker could yet receive a new contract.