Arsenal want Real Madrid's Karim Benzema?

Arsenal will launch a £17.8m bid for Real Madrid's French international striker Karim Benzema, according to reports.

Speculation has linked the 27-year-old with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu for some time, with Manchester United and the Gunners mentioned as his two most likely destinations.

However, Arsenal are ready to strike first in their pursuit of Benzema with a significant bid, according to Spanish outlet fichajes.net.

That will be enough to tempt Real Madrid president Florentino Perez into selling, the report adds.

Benzema, who joined Los Blancos from Lyon in 2009, scored 22 goals for the Spanish side last season.