Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema linked with Napoli

Karim Benzema could be joining Maurizio Sarri’s project at Napoli in the summer.

According to Don Balon, the French striker could be part of Napoli’s front three next season. Although there is currently a difference in Benzema’s valuation between Real Madrid and Napoli, which will have to be addressed.

He isn’t the most popular figure at Real Madrid due to his goal scoring issues. However, they will miss him when he’s gone because he helps Cristiano Ronaldo flourish. His link up play allows the Portuguese star to play such an advanced role even though Benzema is the designated striker.

Madrid have been linked with a number of strikers this season to add to their already impressive front line. Benzema’s measly tally of 10 goals in all competitions this season is seen as not good enough even though he has a varied skill set.

His age works against him as well because he is 30-years-old. However, he does have nine assists which reflects some of the creative work he does in the final third.

The Partenopei will be looking to strengthen after a brilliant Serie A campaign. It doesn’t look like they will win it this year, though, because the victory over Juventus was followed by a 3-0 loss to Fiorentina.

This leaves La Vecchia Signora four points ahead with two games remaining. However, they have pushed the Turn side to their very limits and keeping this level up is likely to see them rewarded with a league title at some point in the near future.

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Would he fit in?

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This could be great move for both parties because Benzema would be given a key role in the team. At Real Madrid, his role is limited and tailored towards Ronaldo in order to get the best out of him.

The French striker will give Sarri another forward option to utilise. Dries Mertens has struggled in the second half of the season due to fatigue. Arkadiusz Milik is a good back-up, but he has suffered two serious injuries over the past two seasons, so there are worries that he might be injury-prone.

Benzema may not be the most prolific, but he does score key goals and he has an effect in big games. Last season, his sharp movement allowed him to get away from two defenders on the byline which led to Isco scoring a decisive goal in the second leg against Atletico Madrid. This year he scored both goals in the second leg of the semi-final against Bayern, which ended up being crucial.

The French striker could be the short-term difference that Napoli need to start winning titles. They have a clearly definable playing style that is not just entertaining, but also produces results.

However, Juventus just edge them in the fact that they are able to produce results and grind out wins. The recent 3-2 victory over Inter Milan is a good example of that as well as the 2-1 win over Tottenham in the Champions League.

Napoli’s style under Sarri requires players who are technically gifted, so Benzema has the skill set to fit in. He is adept at working in tight spaces with quick passes and excellent ball control; this would allow him to work well with Lorenzo Insigne and Marek Hamsik on the left flank. His ability to be part of a fluid front line due to his intelligent movement as well as his selflessness means that he would be a great fit.

Do you think Karim Benzema should take the plunge by leaving Real Madrid and joining Napoli?

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