Newcastle United have reportedly joined French giants PSG in the race for the signing of Real Madrid goal machine Karim Benzema.

According to a report from Catalan publication El Nacional, Newcastle United have expressed an interest in securing the signing of Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema, who is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain.

Benzema has grown into one of the best strikers of the modern era since arriving at Real Madrid in 2009 from Olympique Lyon. To date, the 33-year-old has plundered 293 goals and 152 assists from 574 appearances, winning a host of titles and trophies during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

While he has been a crucial player for Los Blancos throughout his career, Benzema had to operate under the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo but has come into his own since the Portuguese’s departure in 2018. The Frenchman has easily been Real Madrid’s best player in the past three years and has enjoyed a stunning start to the 2021/22 season, bagging 14 goals in 15 games.

Benzema signed a new contract with Real Madrid earlier this year, extending his stay at the club till 2023. Even though he will be turning 34 next month, the France international is viewed as a key part of the setup at the Bernabeu. However, that has not stopped clubs from registering an interest in his services.

Karim Benzema on the radars of PSG, Newcastle (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Karim Benzema on the radars of PSG, Newcastle (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

PSG were credited with an interest in signing Benzema recently as they seek to bolster their attacking unit next summer. Mauro Icardi is believed to be on his way out of Parc des Princes soon. Les Parisiens are also facing the prospect of losing superstar Kylian Mbappe, who is in the final year of his contract with the club and coincidentally is a priority target for Real Madrid.

With there being the chance of two vacancies being created in the attacking department, PSG have identified Benzema as an option to reinforce their roster. But, they have now been joined by Newcastle United in their hunt for the veteran Real Madrid superstar. 

Boosted by their mega-million takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, the Magpies plan to make some big moves in the transfer market in the upcoming windows. The idea is to survive the drop from the Premier League this season before aiming for stellar additions in the summer of next year, with the centre-forward department a key area needing strengthening.

Indeed, Newcastle have no reliable goalscorer in their midst beyond Callum Wilson, who happens to be injury-prone. So, a big name centre-forward would be a fine addition for the Tyneside giants, and Benzema has emerged as an option for the club’s cash-rich owners, along with PSG’s Icardi, among others.

Benzema, however, has no interest in signing for Newcastle as per the report. However, it also states that the 33-year-old might consider making the switch to PSG as he is believed to be unhappy with Real Madrid’s pursuit of Erling Haaland. It remains to be seen if the French international continues in Spain next season or decides to go on a new adventure.

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