Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has hailed striker Karim Benzema and says the Frenchman is capable of scoring 25 goals this season.
The forward is subject of interest from FA Cup and Community Shield winners Arsenal, who are believed to be prepared to pay between 40 and and 50 million euros to secure his services before the end of the transfer window on September 1.
The Gunners have looked short up front so far this season and while they have created plenty of chances in their opening two games, need to find a more clinical side to their game – something that Benzema would offer.
But the 27-year-old is a favourite of club president Florentino Perez and now it appears Benitez is keen for the forward to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu too.
Speaking to reporters, the boss stated: “I placed a lot of trust in him and he has sufficient resources to operate in all types of attack with any attacker. Benzema is a great player and one of my ideas is that he will surpass 20-25 goals this season.”
Benzema joined the 10-time Champions League winners from Lyon in 2009 and has gone on to score more than 120 goals for the club. Last season he netted 22 times in 46 appearances.
