France striker Karim Benzema is joining Real Madrid from Olympique Lyon, the Ligue 1 club said on Wednesday on their website.

The 21-year-old Benzema will become Real’s third major signing under returning president Florentino Perez after Brazil’s Kaka and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

When Perez was first in charge at the Bernabeu he set about signing one Galactico each close season. Now he is trying to buy them all in a month.

Where is he getting the money from during this global economic crisis? Furthermore, what damage is the spending spree doing to other clubs?

Manchester United were reportedly interested in Benzema to try to boost their forward line after Ronaldo’s departure.

We really are in unchartered territory here. Will Real still pursue Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery too?

Last time the Galactico plan did not actually bring trophies. A few defenders might help this time.

PHOTO: Olympique Lyon’s Karim Benzema reacts after their loss to Girondins Bordeaux in the French Ligue 1 soccer match at the Chaban Delmas stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France, April 19, 2009. REUTERS/Olivier Pon

A few weeks ago, Lyon looked dead set to clinch their seventh consecutive title.

That was until they were held at Nice at the weekend and second-placed Bordeaux managed a 2-1 win at Marseille. Their lead is now just two points.

Lyon next play Nancy and then visit Auxerre, while Bordeaux host Sochaux and travel to Lens in their final game. Four points would be enough to seal the title for Lyon, as they have a much better goal difference.

But what’s striking is how the all-conquering Lyon seem to have lost their confidence a bit, with president Jean-Michel Aulas claiming the whole world is against his team. He’s been complaining because they play a French Cup semi-final against Sedan on Wednesday. Poor chap, his team will only have three days to get ready for the Nancy game. What’s the problem?

On the other hand, Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is staying really cool. After one of his youngsters, Pierre Ducasse, won the game with a stoppage time 25-metre strike at Marseille, he said the team which hold their nerve will ultimately prevail.

What do you think? Could we be set for an upset after all?

Julien Pretot, Paris