GOAL 

Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez wants striker Karim Benzema to weigh in with at least 20 goals this season.

The France international has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, with Arsene Wenger thought to be holding out hope of luring him to the Premier League before the end of the transfer window.

Benzema scored 22 times in all competitions last term, but Benitez feels the 27-year-old can contribute more in 2015-16.

"Benzema is a great player and one of my ideas this year is that he exceeds the barrier of 20-25 goals. In that, I have a lot of confidence," Benitez told El Pais.

"I have a lot of faith in him and Benzema has the ability to compete with any other striker."

The former Lyon striker is the only traditional No.9 in Madrid's squad following the end of Javier Hernandez's loan spell and Benitez has admitted they could bring in another striker.

"Having alternatives in any position always helps.

"For example, the middle of the park - you have a midfielder who is better with containing and another with passing.

"Depending on the match, you can take advantage of one or the other. In the case of the striker, it's the same.

"Until August 31, the market is open and there may be movements.

"To improve our team is not easy, there are not many players better than the ones that we have and [that are] available on the market."