Karim Benzema has been unveiled as the latest addition to Real Madrid's star-studded squad.

After a frantic period of spending at the Bernabeu, Benzema will line-up next season alongside fellow new recruits Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Raul Albiol.

It is an unprecedented outlay - over 200million euros with Benzema accounting for 35million of it - and means coach Manuel Pellegrini, himself a new arrival, will be able to call on an attacking arsenal unparalleled in world football.

Benzema, who moves to Spain after making his name at Lyon, will spearhead the attack with Kaka and Ronaldo supplying the ammunition.

The 21-year-old - the player of the year and top scorer in Ligue 1 in the 2007/08 season - built his reputation at the Stade Gerland after joining their academy at nine years of age.

At the Under-17 European Championships in 2004, Benzema helped the hosts France win the tournament and in total, he was capped internationally for France at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 level 35 times and scored 20 goals.

In 2005, the 6ft striker made his breakthrough on the club scene with a goal-scoring debut in Lyon's Champions League win over Rosenborg.

His breakthrough season came in 2007/08 when he grabbed the goals which enabled Lyon to land the league and cup double under coach Alain Perrin.

His form dipped last year but 17 goals in 36 league games still represented an excellent return.

Lyon's current boss Claude Puel was dismayed to lose a player who contributed so much in such a short space of time.

He said: "All aspects, whether they be sporting or financial, were taken into account. We took time to weigh up what the loss of Karim would cause the club."

He also elaborated on what the transfer means for Benzema, adding: "He is an extremely talented player with a great future ahead of him. Here, it was like being at home for him.

"This move will give him the perspectives and possibilities to move forwards, progress and keep asking himself the right questions. It will be of great benefit to him. He has everything he needs to live up to the right expectations."

Karim Benzema: A Picture Gallery