Real Madrid are facing the possibility of losing their star striker and captain Karim Benzema at the end of the season, as reports suggest he is considering a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
The 35-year-old Frenchman’s contract with the Spanish giants expires this summer, and although it was reported that he had agreed to extend it for another year, along with midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, nothing has been made official yet.
According to recent rumours, Benzema has received a staggering €200 million contract proposal from a Saudi Arabian club, which could tempt him to leave Real Madrid after 13 years of service.
Real Madrid are said to respect Benzema’s decision if he chooses to depart, but they are also preparing for life without him by looking at potential replacements for the No. 9 position.
As per Pablo Polo of MARCA (h/t Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid have two Premier League forwards on their radar: Harry Kane and Roberto Firmino.
Kane has been a long-term target for Real Madrid, and his situation at Tottenham could make him available this summer, as Spurs failed to secure Champions League football for next season. The England captain’s contract runs until 2024, but he may seek a new challenge elsewhere.
However, signing Kane would not be easy, as Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is known for being a tough negotiator and would demand a high fee for his prized asset.
Firmino, on the other hand, is set to become a free agent this summer after his contract with Liverpool expires. The Brazilian has been a key player for the Reds since joining in 2015, but his form has dipped in recent seasons.
Real Madrid have reportedly shown interest in Firmino as a possible backup for Benzema, but now they see him as a potential successor for the Frenchman.
Firmino, however, wants to know what role he would have at Real Madrid before making a decision on his future.
This is a huge development for Real Madrid, who could lose one of their most influential players in Benzema. He has scored 281 goals in 560 appearances for the club, winning four Champions League titles and three La Liga titles among other trophies.
Kane would be an ideal replacement for Benzema at Real Madrid, as he is one of the best strikers in the world. However, Firmino may not be able to fill the void left by the Frenchman, as he is more of a second-choice option at this stage of his career.
