There are sensational reports that Arsenal could land KarimBenzema at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

While Arsenal have maintained a strong stance at keeping Alexis Sanchez, the club is preparing a high profile deal with Real Madrid for Benzema should the Chilean exit.

Reports in England claim the Spanish side would make Cristiano Ronaldo the striker with the team built around him as he advances in age. This is based on a promise coach Zinedine Zidane made to the Portugal skipper.

Paris St-Germain – also reported to be considering a world record swoop for Brazilian playmaker Neymar for £195 million from Nou Camp – are interested in Sanchez but the Gunners are refusing to let him go.

The former Barcelona striker prefers a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City but Arsene Wenger would likely not sanction strengthening a key rival. There is also Bayern Munich in the fray, but the German Bundesliga giants seem to have given up due to the high costs of transfer and salary.

Arsenal have already gotten a top striker in Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon but if Sanchez exits to any of the interested sides, Arsenal would chase Benzema. Wenger was ready to offer as much as £53 million for the Frenchman last year. The manager said the club ruminated on the issue of Sanchez and then decided not to sell, despite the huge financial implication as he could walk for free next year when his deal lapses.

For now the transfer saga continues. However if Alexis leaves, Benzema would be the replacement.