Arsenal and Benzema have "nothing happening"

Arsenal's search for reinforcements has taken an interesting turn, as Karim Benzema's name was initially recommended to the club earlier this month. The French striker, who has been a vital part of Real Madrid for many years, was rumored to be on Arsenal's radar. However, despite the initial recommendation, no further progress has been made regarding a potential transfer.

According to reporter Sami Mokbel, who first broke the news, both Arsenal and Benzema have not taken any steps to pursue the transfer. This information was later corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, a renowned transfer expert who stated that there is currently "nothing happening" between the two parties. This revelation has left Arsenal fans disappointed, as they were hopeful for a marquee signing to boost their attacking options.

While the pursuit of Benzema may have hit a roadblock, it seems that Arsenal is shifting their focus to strengthening their defensive line. With injuries plaguing their backline, the Gunners are in need of versatile players who can provide cover in multiple positions. One name that has been mentioned is Tengbergen, a highly-rated player with impressive versatility.

Unfortunately, Tengbergen's recovery process has taken longer than expected, and he is still some distance away from returning to full training. This setback has forced Arsenal to consider alternative options for their defensive reinforcements. The club's scouting department is working tirelessly to identify suitable targets who can fill the void in their defense.

In the meantime, let's take a closer look at Benzema's recent performances. In the current season, the 185cm tall striker has featured in 15 matches in the Saudi Arabian league, starting all of them. He has an average playing time of 82 minutes per game and has scored 9 goals, while also providing 5 assists. These impressive statistics highlight his ability to contribute both as a goal scorer and a playmaker.

Benzema's offensive contributions extend beyond just scoring goals. In the Saudi Arabian league, he has registered 65 shots on goal, with 9 finding the back of the net. He has also created 13 excellent scoring opportunities for his teammates, while providing 5 assists. Additionally, his passing accuracy stands at an impressive 84%, showcasing his ability to create chances for his team.

Defensively, Benzema has shown his willingness to contribute. He averages 0.5 successful tackles per game and recovers the ball 2.1 times on average, with 0.9 of those recoveries coming in the opposition's third of the pitch. He also completes 1.1 successful dribbles per game, with a success rate of 49%. These defensive contributions underline his versatility and overall contribution to the team.

Looking back at the previous season, Benzema's performances in La Liga were equally impressive. In 24 appearances, all of which were as a starter, he played an average of 85 minutes per game. During this time, he scored 19 goals and provided 3 assists, showcasing his ability to consistently find the back of the net.

Similar to his current season, Benzema's offensive contributions were significant. He registered 107 shots, with 19 resulting in goals. He also created 14 excellent scoring opportunities for his teammates and provided 3 assists. Furthermore, he made 48 key passes, highlighting his ability to create opportunities for his team.

Defensively, Benzema also made valuable contributions. He averaged 0.4 successful tackles per game and recovered the ball 0.6 times in the opposition's third of the pitch. He completed 0.8 successful dribbles per game, with a success rate of 48%. These defensive numbers demonstrate his commitment and all-round ability as a player.

While Benzema's potential move to Arsenal may not be materializing at the moment, it is clear that he possesses the qualities that the Gunners are looking for. His versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch make him an attractive target for any club. As Arsenal continues their search for reinforcements, they will need to explore alternative options that can provide the same level of impact. With the transfer window still open, anything can happen, and Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting any developments in the coming days.