Karim Benzema to Arsenal: Real Madrid fans don't want striker and believe he isn't good enough to start in the first team

Benzema is believed to be on Arsenal's radar but the Gunners are yet to make a move for the France striker

(Getty)

Arsenal continue to be frustrated in their attempts to sign a new striker this summer, with any move for Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema a long way from being completed.

However, it will interest the Gunners hierarchy to know that the Real faithful don’t even think Benzema is good enough to play in their first team.

A poll carried out by Spanish newspaper AS asked 67,773 internet readers who should new head coach Rafa Benitez start the season with in Real’s opening La Liga game against Sporting Gijon on Sunday evening, before doing the Spaniard’s job for him and naming the starting XI for him.

Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo drew in the most votes with 66,000, but it was the rather unfamiliar sight of seeing the Ballon d’Or winner leading the line in attack. Behind him saw a trio made up of James Rodriguez (62,109), Isco (53,453) and Gareth Bale (38,023), meaning that there was is no room for Benzema.

The France international has come under scrutiny in the past despite scoring 133 goals in 281 games for Real, and it’s known that Arsene Wenger remains a fan of the 27-year-old who joined the Spanish club in 2009.

The rest of the side lines up as expected, with Keylor Navas in goal, a back four made up of Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield.

It means that Pepe misses out along with new signing Danilo. However, that team would certainly change should Real get their man this summer and sign David De Gea, who would replace Navas in goal.

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