Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta revealed earlier this month that Arsenal may not bring in anyone this January. The Gunners are subject to the same Premier League financing rules as any other side, with club owners wary about exceeding limitations after Everton received a ten-point penalty in November.
However, it is evident that Arsenal require a prolific goalscorer, as neither Eddie Nketiah nor Gabriel Jesus have shown to be the answer. The failure to bring in an attacker could be the difference in a prolonged title drive this season.
It is unsurprising, then, that links to Balon d’Or winner Karim Benzema have surfaced during his rumored turmoil in Saudi Arabia. While an intriguing possibility on paper, there are significant hazards associated with the move.
The 36-year-old’s wages, age and style compatibility are all concerns. The player has seemed to shut down the possibility anyway, with French publication L’Equipe reporting that Benzema has rubbished exit speculation.
That closes the possibility of Arteta and sporting director Edu making decisions that may upset a number of supporters. In order to facilitate an arrival for Benzema, players would undoubtedly have to be moved on.
Emile Smith Rowe is already expected to leave the Emirates Stadium due to limited game time, but several other academy graduates may also be sold. Youth product sales contribute significantly to mitigating FFP deficits because they are assured to generate a profit after originally costing nothing or less.
Aside from Bukayo Saka, who is vital, the next two academy products who would get the most money are Nketiah and Reiss Nelson. Both are beloved by their fans, so their departures would be disappointing.
There is a school of thought from some supporters that selling Nketiah would be worth the gamble if it meant bringing in a prolific striker such as an Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak or Ollie Watkins. Benzema, though, would not fit that bill.
Not only would his contract demands be larger but longevity-wise, a transfer does not make sense and would go against Arteta’s recruitment traits. Even a short-term loan deal would raise questions, especially amid tight FFP thresholds.
The compromises Arsenal may have had to make to land Benzema would surely be more detrimental than beneficial, but it is one possibility that would have to be considered if an approach was approved. It’s more plausible, however, that Arteta does not bring anyone in, as previously suggested.
