Napoli offer €40m for Karim Benzema

The French star is the latest to join the out-bound brigade from Real Madrid.

Karim Benzema may have had many successful years at Real Madrid, but just like Cristiano Ronaldo, it seems like his time at the club is at an end. According to the report from La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Napoli has offered Karim Benzema €40m, and the French footballer is apparently ready to take the pay-cut.

Napoli’s new boss, Carlo Ancelotti, is keen on signing Benzema, having worked with him during his time at Real Madrid.

Benzema signed for Real Madrid in 2009, the same year as Cristiano Ronaldo. Since joining the Los Blancos, the French star has played in 276 La Liga games, scoring 127 goals for the club.

In his 413 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid, Karim Benzema has netted the ball on 192 occasions.

Earlier, Real Madrid told Cristiano Ronaldo to publicly confirm his decision to leave the club. According to MARCA, this is the ‘condition’ which the club has put forward, to carry through his transfer to Juventus.

Real Madrid have indicated that if Ronaldo fails to fulfil the condition, his release clause, which is currently €1 billion, won’t be lowered. It is also being reported by MARCA that Ronaldo rejected a €200m offer from Chinese Super League to push his transfer to Juventus.

Karim Benzema has not been a part of the French team in the World Cup, which makes it easier for Napoli to pursue for the player. However, the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo will surely force Real Madrid to consider the Benzema move, even if he isn’t as prolific a goalscorer as the Portuguese.