Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has reportedly decided to let Karim Benzema leave the Bernabeu, opening the door for Arsenal to sign the Frenchman for £46 million.

According to Metro‘s George Bellshaw, “reports in Spain” suggest Perez is eager to sign Manchester City‘s Sergio Aguero, and as a result, Benzema is now seen as surplus to requirements.

The Gunners have been linked with Benzema for some time now, but it has always seemed enormously unlikely the striker would be allowed to leave the Bernabeu, per Press Association (h/t the Guardian).

Indeed, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague recently suggested there was nobody at the club who expected Benzema to depart:

This is unsurprising, as not only is the 27-year-old France international a prolific goalscorer, but he is an essential partner for allowing the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to flourish, per Squawka Football:

If Aguero was a realistic target for Real, they may be prepared to let Benzema leave. But there is seemingly no way City would let their star striker depart.

Furthermore, Bleacher Report’s Andy Brassell believes what Los Blancos need is added depth in the striker department, not to let one of their most dangerous attacking threats leave:

Benzema will surely still be at Real come the end of the transfer window despite the wild speculation surrounding him, as he will be an essential player for new manager Rafael Benitez in the 2015-16 season. 

One player who does seem bound for the exit door at the Bernabeu, though, is defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

According to Ruben Vegas of Spanish outlet Marca, Illarramendi will be allowed to leave “as long as the offer they get is a serious one.”

Vegas reports Real are prepared to accept less than the €32 million (£22.5 million) they paid Real Sociedad for Illarramendi in 2013.

The 25-year-old has failed to make an impact with the La Liga giants, but he is a hugely talented player, and Liverpool are reportedly ready to swoop for him, per Metro.

With Real having recently confirmed the signing of yet another midfielder—Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan—it would seemingly be wise for them to get Illarramendi off the books even if they have to take a loss on his transfer fee.

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