Journalist claims he would rather sign a former Arsenal star than Karim Benzema

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There has been recent speculation linking Arsenal with a loan move for former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

The Frenchman left the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer in favour of a huge contract at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, but he is reportedly unhappy and wants to return to Europe.

Arsenal have struggled in front of goal, and many fans would be desperate to see a Ballon d’Or winning striker arrive on loan this month. However, a deal looks complicated, not least because of Benzema’s wages.

Despite Benzema’s quality over the years, which saw him win the Ballon d’Or after a remarkable Champions League campaign less than two years ago, journalist Charles Watts has now claimed that if Arsenal were to try and loan a veteran striker in this window, Olivier Giroud may be the better option.

Arsenal told Olivier Giroud could be better loan option than Karim Benzema

Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, Watts explained that in a hypothetical scenario where both players were available on loan, Giroud, who is at AC Milan, would be the better short-term option given their respective levels of match sharpness.

“Given their fitness, coming in right now, who would you rather have, Benzema or Giroud?” Watts questioned.

“I mean I’ve already said it. I would have Giroud over Benzema right now, and people hate that answer, I know they hate that answer, but I genuinely would.

“I would have Giroud over Benzema right now for six months until the end of the season, on a loan to get Arsenal through to the summer when they make their big summer signing as a striker. I’d be picking Giroud personally.

“Benzema has been playing in Saudi Arabia for six months, I have no idea how sharp he would be. As big as the name is, I don’t even think he would walk straight into this Arsenal side.”

Would Giroud or Benzema be better on loan for Arsenal?

Although neither deal looks likely to happen at all, hypothetically, it is tough to look past Benzema as the better addition.

The 36-year-old is one of the best strikers of his generation, and scored 31 goals for Real Madrid as recently as last season.

In 20 games at Al-Ittihad, he has scored 12 times in 20 games, albeit at a lower level than Real Madrid’s fixtures.

Giroud has been outstanding, with 10 goals and six assists in 17 Serie A games this season, and whilst he was an underrated player at Arsenal, he was often a frustrating figure before his departure in 2018.

He went on to win the World Cup and the Champions League, and there may be some regret at how he was sold given how well he has aged, but a striker like Benzema could still be a level-raiser for Mikel Arteta’s side given his experience as a Real Madrid legend.