Arsenal Encouraged in Karim Benzema Chase as Contract Talks Stall

Arsenal have been encouraged to renew their interest in signing Karim Benzema after reports in Spain claimed his negotiations with Real Madrid over a new contract have stalled.

The French international's current deal at the Bernabeu is set to expire in June 2015 and should he not sign a renewal Real Madrid will be forced to sell him this summer - or risk losing him on a free transfer next year.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Real Madrid are likely to prolong his spell in La Liga but negotiations between both parts are currently far apart due to the the 26-year-old's demand his salary is doubled from €4.5 million to €9 million.

Los Blancos are not keen on meeting his demands and should the French star stand firm they may consider selling him to help fund a move to sign Liverpool star Luis Suarez as his replacement.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of his compatriot and according to reports is closely monitoring the situation in Madrid.

Last summer the Gunners reportedly tried to bring the former Lyon star to north London after failing to sign Suarez and before completing Mesut Ozil's move.

Wenger is again desperately looking for a number nine to bolster his striking options with Olivier Giroud the only experienced option in his squad.

The Gunners have also been heavily linked with Benzema's team-mate Alvaro Morata but the Frenchman would present a safer option having scored 24 goals this season.

Furthermore, the Real Madrid star has a strong relationship with Giroud as both are currently with the French squad at the World Cup.

Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal will have £100m war-chest to spend this summer while Benzema could be available for a fee in the region of £30m.