Real Madrid chief slams Arsenal over initial Benzema offer

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Madrid, November 26: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly claimed Arsenal's opening bid for Karim Benzema as embarrassing.

The Gunners are alleged to have offered £40million for the French striker as they plot a potential January swoop.

Diario Gol report that figure is way below Perez's valuation of the frontman and was immediately turned down.

Benzema has come under-fire this season after a miserable start to the campaign but Real Madrid still believe that their star forward should get them more money.

He scored just twice in his first 13 games and even his double against APOEL in the Champions League on Tuesday has done little to lift the pressure.

The 29-year-old has been at the Bernabeu for eight years and is now believed to be ready to depart, sparking long-term suitors Arsenal's interest.

Arsene Wenger wants to bring the hitman in to replace contract rebel Alexis Sanchez, with the Chilean due to leave the Emirates at the end of the season on a free transfer.

However, despite his poor return in front of goal, Perez still sees Benzema as one of the best strikers on the planet and believes he can recoup much more for one of his favourite players.

Arsene Wenger is a long-time admirer of Benzema but whether he goes back with a better offer or not, remains to be seen.

Many pundits in Spanish football have been outspoken in their beliefs that the ace is no longer at the peak of his powers, contrary to Perez's beliefs.

But if the Madrid chief does not budge on his valuation then the Gunners are likely to look elsewhere.

Several players of the Real Madrid squad are believed to be unhappy at their playing time being restricted due to Zinedine Zidane's continued faith in the misfiring attacker.

Spanish duo Marco Asensio and Isco are two of those said to be unhappy.

Meanwhile, reports emerged earlier this season that Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo had fallen out and in this context, the best way to stop a dressing room rebellion is to sell Benzema who looks way past his best.