Arsenal 'will sign striker Karim Benzema if he asks to leave Real Madrid'

Arsenal will complete the signing of Karim Benzema if the striker requests a transfer this summer, according to La Liga expert Graham Hunter.

The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with Arsene Wenger's side in this transfer window despite Real Madrid insisting that he will not leave the club.

Wenger is a long-time admirer of Benzema and Hunter believes that the Gunners can sign him if the forward asks Rafael Benitez to leave.

"Arsenal have the money and Real Madrid need the money – they're €500m in debt," Hunter told talkSPORT.

"They're trying to buy David de Gea and won't go the extra mile to get him off Manchester United because of the cash so they need the money.

"It is a doable deal, but it won't happen unless Benzema says to Real Madrid, 'I want to go to Arsenal'."

Arsenal host West Ham United on Saturday in their first Premier League match of the season.