Arsenal prepare £40m bid for Karim Benzema?

Arsenal are reportedly planning on pushing forward with a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The Gunners' pursuit of the French international has long been noted this summer, as Arsene Wenger looks to add more firepower to his squad in order to help mount a title challenge next season.

According to , the Premier League side are exploring the option of a £40m bid for the 27-year-old, who could begin talks with the club as early as next week.

Benzema has scored 87 goals in 188 appearances since joining Madrid in 2009.