Real Madrid and France international striker Karim Benzema is set to stay at the Spanish club beyond this summer, according to new manager Rafael Benitez.
Benzema has been heavily linked with a move in excess of £45m to Arsenal, as the north London club look to increase their firepower upfront in a bid for Premier League and European glory.
However, any talk of a move away from the Spanish capital has been quashed by Benitez, and with the former Liverpool boss being questioned about the future of the 27-year-old, his response was simple: “My answer is that I think Benzema is going to stay with us. I’m very happy with him.”
Whilst disappointing for many Arsenal fans, a move for the Real Madrid man was always going to be unrealistic, with Arsene Wenger recently claiming that the potential move is a ‘made up story‘.
Arsenal have also been heavily linked with moves for Alexandre Lacazette, Robert Lewandowski and Edinson Cavani, all of whom would provide a very different option than that of the club’s current forwards.
If the Gunners do not pursue a new striker, options left will include Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott, as well as Alexis Sanchez and Joel Campbell who can both play upfront. Meanwhile, Chuba Akpom is expected to join Hull City on a season-long loan in the Championship.
