Arsenal make contact with Real Madrid over summer move for Karim Benzema

Arsenal have reportedly made initial contact with Real Madrid over a summer move for striker Karim Benzema, according to Spanish daily El Confidencial.

Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the French international and has been linked with a move for the forward in the past. The Gunners boss has indicated that he is happy with his current squad, but did admit that he is open to making further signings only if the players are of top quality and substantially improve the team.

Benzema has been impressive for the Spanish capital club since his arrival from Lyon in 2009 and has gone on to become one of Real president Florentino Perez's favourite players at the club.

The French striker had an impressive 2014/15 campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists in 29 La Liga games, but the report claims that the striker may not be in new manager Rafael Benitez's plans for next season as the former Napoli coach tinkers with the idea of playing one of Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale in the central strikers role.

This move by the manager will see Benzema drop out of the starting XI, which could provide the Gunners an opportunity to sign the forward, who has otherwise been reluctant to leave Santiago Bernabeu.

The report claims that the 27-year-old forward is aware of the interest from the north London club and is not averse to the idea of joining the 12-time FA Cup champions.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the forward, according to the Daily Mail, as Louis van Gaal looks to strengthen his forward line following the departures of Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie.

Meanwhile, Theo Walcott has admitted that he is not particular about playing as a central striker, despite it being his preferred role in the team.

The England international has been mainly deployed on the wings by the French manager, but since the end of last season, the manager has indicated that he will be used in a central role as well.

"In modern-day football the three up front tend to change around a lot. You see it with England and with Barcelona, so we have that sort of trust in each other knowing that everyone can do that sort of role. It's not a problem at all," Walcott said, as quoted on Arsenal's official site.

"I like it anywhere. I enjoy playing for this club. It's well-documented where I want to play but there's a lot of competition in that front line. If I'm in a role then I have to do my best there, but it's another option for the manager. It's not a bad thought," the English forward added.