Arsenal have been dealt a huge transfer blow as it was confirmed by Real Madrid that striker Karim Benzema was still on their pre-season tour.
The Frenchman posted a picture on Instagram earlier on Tuesday afternoon showing him on a plane and suggesting that he was “leaving the past behind”.
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That in turn sent Arsenal fans into a frenzy as they believed that the 27-year-old was hinting at the possibility of leaving Madrid and joining the Gunners.
However, Sky Sports reporter Bryan Swanson has revealed that the Spanish giants have confirmed that Benzema is still with them in Shanghai as part of their pre-season tour.
Real Madrid say Karim Benzema still with squad in Shanghai before next game against AC Milan. Private jet pic? Believed to be from holiday.
— Bryan Swanson (@skysports_bryan) July 28, 2015
Further, the French international is expected to play in their next game against Milan, while they suggested that the picture was from a private plane that Benzema had during his holiday.
It is still unclear as to why Benzema posted the photo, given that he would have been aware of the reaction that it would have created.
Nevertheless, it appears as though he is staying with his Madrid teammates for the time being, with Gunners fans left to continue to wait for a marquee signing this summer.
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