Throughout the 2014-15 season, Karim Benzema was Real Madrid's second leading scorer.

He put up 15 goals in Spain's domestic league while putting up another 10 assists. According to WhoScored.com, he was managing those numbers while averaging fewer shots on goal than either Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale. Ronaldo scored 48 goals, but Bale trailed Benzema by two.

Despite his strong presence, it seems that Benzema's time might be coming to an end for Real Madrid. The Telegraph reported that the team was set to sell the team to Arsenal, though other reports indicate Arsene Wenger, the Gunners' manager, is not pursuing the Frenchman.

Regardless, Benzema has always seemingly been in the transfer spotlight and always a rumored subject.

Why?

In the past, inconsistency has been at the root of the issue. He was jeered by fans during the 2013-14 season and early parts of 2014-15 due to a lack of consistent goal scoring.

However, at this juncture his position is as tenuous as it ever has been.

The reason? Cristiano Ronaldo.

New coach Rafa Benitez is known for his 4-2-3-1 formation, and it looks like he is looking to keep it at Madrid. Once a left winger, Ronaldo has slowly evolved into a forward and with Isco and James Rodriguez both competing for a starting spot it might just be the natural choice for Benitez -- throw Ronaldo up top, thus allowing for Gareth Bale, Isco and Rodriguez to share the spots in the middle of the attack.

The odd man out would be Benzema who is certainly not a bench player.

However Madrid has no suitable depth up top. Or at least not on Benzema's level. After Ronaldo and Bale, the young Jese Rodriguez is the main backup. Denis Cheryshev's future with the team is up in the air, and even then there is no guarantee that he would be able to provide Benzema's level of productivity.

Rodriguez had three goals and two assists in 16 games (of which he only started three) and is better known for his blazing speed and shot. Playmaking is not among his fortes. Cheryshev did manage nine assists last season for Villarreal, but his position with the team is currently unknown. Moreover, he is most apt playing in the midfield than up top and would not be a like-for-like replacement for Benzema.

Of course the question remains: Is Benzema okay with being a bench player?

Benitez is known for his heavy rotation policies, so it is unlikely that Benzema will be sitting out for tremendous lengths. However, if he is Ronaldo's backup, he would have to overcome that hurdle, which will potentially create more tension within in the club.

Then there is the question of Benzema and Ronaldo's relationship. Ronaldo may score 48 goals, but he relies heavily on Benzema's great skill and creativity to set him up. Who knows how losing one of his strike partners will ultimately affect the reigning Ballon d'Or winner.

Benitez will have some difficult to decisions to make leading up to the season opener; Benzema's fate may be the toughest one he has to make.