Real Madrid ‘have had enough’ of Benzema 'blackmail' and target Liverpool star

Suraj Radia

• 11 Apr 2023 18:57 BST
• 2 min read

Real Madrid are lining up a move for Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino after they have ‘had enough’ of Karim Benzema’s ‘blackmail’, according to reports in Spain.

Benzema is out of contract in the summer and his renewal is ‘up in the air’, however he is expected to be at the club next season despite Real looking to sign a new forward to compete with him, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional.

The report claims that Benzema is demanding more money to sign a renewal, something which has frustrated president Florentino Perez, who had previously agreed to the Frenchman’s demand to not sign another striker to compete with him.

WANTED: Firmino targeted by multiple teams

Benzema has struggled with injuries and poor form this season, further infuriating Real after they chose to rely on him and the La Liga outfit are now looking at new strikers.

However, Real are reluctant to splash out on a big name, particularly with a lack of quality options on the market, with the club having ‘learned a lesson’ from the disastrous €60 million signing of Luka Jovic in 2019.

As a result, the club have scouted the free agent market, leaving Firmino as a top target after the 31-year-old confirmed he would leave Liverpool this summer when his contract expires.

The state of play with Benzema and Real’s striker conundrum

Real are also expected to make a move for Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in future, while Brazilian youngster Endrick will join the club next summer when he turns 18.

With Real also looking to sign Jude Bellingham this summer in a move which could cost in excess of €100m, the Spanish side are hopeful they can convince Firmino to turn down interest from elsewhere and move to Madrid.

OPTIONS: Why Benzema could cause Real to pursue Haaland and Mbappe

Benzema, meanwhile, is considering his future despite a new deal having been considered a foregone conclusion, such is the decline in his relationship with the board.

The 35-year-old has turned down interest from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and will look to remain in Europe if he leaves Real, with the future of Carlo Ancelotti likely to determine his decision should the Italian coach leave his role this summer.