According to reports from Goal this morning, Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has insisted in-demand striker Karim Benzema won’t be leaving the Bernabeu this summer.
The 27 year-old boasts 133 goals in 281 appearances for Los Blancos and has claimed a La Liga title, a Champions League title and two Copa del Reys since signing from Lyon in 2009, but Rafa Benitez’ intentions to utilise Cristiano Ronaldo as a lone centre-forward next season could bring his Spanish capital tenure to an abrupt end.
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That’s lead to rumoured interest from Manchester United, whilst reports yesterday morning claimed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to launch a club-record £45.6million bid for the France international.
But those close to Benzema have continually insisted he won’t leave the former European champions this summer. Agent Karim Djaziri has claimed he’s ‘1000%’ staying at the Bernabeu, whilst Sky Sports’ La Liga correspondent Guillem Balage believe Arsenal and United have ‘no chance’ of signing the 6 foot 2 striker.
And recent comments from the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager have added further weight to those claims. As quoted by Goal, Benitez said ahead of Real Madrid’s Audi Cup semi-final clash with Tottenham Hotspur; “Benzema, I think, is going to stay with us. I am very happy with him. I have no reason to think he will go.”
Arsenal have recently been linked with Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a potential alternative, but he signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund last week.