According to reports from The Independent this afternoon, Arsenal are on alert after summer strike target Karim Benzema revealed he is ‘fed up’ at Real Madrid.
The France international boasts 140 goals in 289 appearances for Los Blancos, helping fire them to a La Liga title, a Champions League title and two Copa del Reys since signing from Lyon in summer 2009.
But as doubts emerged over his status in the starting Xi following Rafa Benitez’ appointment as Bernabeu boss in June, the 6 foot 2 front-man was linked with a number of Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window – most particularly Arsenal and Manchester United.
Benzema ruled out an exit from the Spanish capital via Twitter at the end of August but Arsenal are reportedly ‘refusing to give up‘ in their long-term pursuit of the £45million-rated striker.
So today’s reports from The Independent will be music to their ears. After being hauled off by Benitez in the Madrid derby on Sunday, Benzema has revealed he’s ‘fed up’ with finding himself continually substituted by the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager.
He told Spanish publication AS following the 1-1 draw with local rivals Atletico; “Substitutions are what the coach decides, I’m just there to help my team-mates. It’s true I’m fed up of being taken off. I’m calm and will continue to work so I’m not always substituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons. It’s true that the electronic board always shows the No.9. Ask Benitez why that is.”
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