Arsenal on alert as Real Madrid striker back on the market

Arsenal target Karim Benzema will be sold if Real Madrid's pursuit of Radamel Falcao proves successful, according to reports in Spain.

Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of compatriot Benzema and has been linked with big-money moves for him in the past.

The 24-year-old is currently in his fourth season at Madrid since moving to the Bernabeu from Lyon in 2009, and is rated as one of the continent's finest strikers.

But it has now been suggested that he will be shipped out to make room for free-scoring Falcao, who Real hope to pinch from cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid in the summer.

As well as Cristiano Ronaldo, a successful move for Falcao would leave Jose Mourinho with the Colombian, Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain.

And Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo says the manager would then be looking to offload Benzema, which could alert Arsenal, who sold Robin Van Persie to Manchester United for £24m in August.

But the Gunners would face a battle with big-spending PSG, who are reportedly keen to take Benzema back to France, and enquired about his availability during the summer.