According to Spanish soccer specialist, Graham Hunter, Arsenal’s long-time pursuit of striker Karim Benzema is still possible.  Hunter spoke with talkSPORT on Thursday about a potential deal and claimed that Real Madrid could use an influx in cash.  “Arsenal have the money and Real Madrid need the money,” explained Hunter.  “They (Real Madrid) are €500 million in global debt, they are trying to buy David De Gea and won’t go the extra mile to get him off Manchester United because of the cash, so they need the money. “

Hunter also illustrated that newly-appointed manager Rafa Benitez is switching to a new formation for the upcoming season and a major player could be left out of the usual starting XI.  “And because Rafa Benitez will play 4-2-3-1 there is one less place for an attacking player than there was last year,” said Hunter.

The pundit finished by claiming that the only way Benzema leaves the Spanish giants is if he asks them for a transfer.  Hunter stated, ”It is a doable deal, but it won’t happen unless Benzema says to Real Madrid: ‘I want to go to Arsenal’.”

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry also had his say on talkSPORT about a possible switch from Madrid to north London for Benzema.  “I think they (Arsenal) can challenge this year for real if they stay injury-free,” the now Sky Sports pundit said.  “Giroud alone as a striker there – you can’t win the league, you need another type of striker.  I think Giroud is doing really well – he went on to score 14 goals in 18 games, that’s amazing.  But sometimes you need a different type of striker and I think that if they can get Benzema, suddenly they are a real title contender and also in the Champions League.”

Although Arsenal enjoyed a very successful summer, capped off by recording a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Community Shield, most experts are sticking with the reigning Premier League champions to with the league again in the upcoming season.  Nevertheless, a deal for Benzema could catapult the Gunners into the pole position in the Premier League for the 2015-16 campaign.

Fellow France forward, Olivier Giroud, gives the Gunners a solid option up front at the moment.  Despite missing out on a chuck of the previous season due to injury, the 28-year-old still recorded 19 total goals on the campaign.  Fresh off of a new contract extension, Theo Walcott is also a threat either in the center forward or winger position.  However, Benzema would be a potential game changer for Arsenal.

Benzema’s Champions League numbers alone are enough to put fear into opponents.  According to transfermarkt.com, the Real Madrid striker has netted an astounding 42 goals and 22 assists in just 73 Champions League matches (all while not being the focal point of his team).

While no deal between Arsenal and Real Madrid is final (and there has been no indication that it is definitely in the works), the Gunners are reportedly pondering a £45 million move for the world-class striker.  If the offer from Arsenal is true, Real Madrid, as well as Benzema, will have a big decision on their hands.