Manchester City are believed to be eyeing a summer approach for veteran Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as part of their hunt for a ‘number nine’.
City have been operating without a recognised striker since Sergio Aguero left the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season. Gabriel Jesus has been transformed into a winger, while the likes of Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Ferran Torres have all operated as a ‘false nine’ at various times.
City’s plan last summer was to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham, who completely refused to sell. They were also interested in Erling Haaland, but he also ended up staying put. Romelu Lukaku was another potential target before he joined Chelsea instead.
City could go back in for Kane this coming summer but are unlikely to be any more successful this time around. Meanwhile, competition for Haaland is also set to be rife because his €75m release clause will finally come into effect, unless Borussia Dortmund convince him to sign a new contract.
90min understands that Real Madrid are one of the clubs asking to be kept informed of Haaland’s situation. But coupled with the expectation that they will win the race to sign Kylian Mbappe as a free agent, El Nacional has reported the potential availability of Benzema as a knock-on effect.
The Frenchman, who will turn 34 next month, has become the main man at the Bernabeu since Cristiano Ronaldo left in 2018 and has scored over 100 goals in all competitions in just under three and a half years – including 15 already this season.
But sharing duties with another top striker, whether it be Haaland or someone else, would satisfy neither he nor the new addition. That is where is City could look to take advantage.
El Nacional claims that City have already established contact with Benzema’s representatives.
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Source : 90min