Wenger was rumoured to be lining up a £40m bid for the Real Madrid striker, but his agent has now explicitly stated that a move is not on.
Karim Benzema’s agent has stated in no uncertain terms that the French striker will not be swapping Real Madrid for Arsenal.
Karim Djaziri told French newspaper Le Journal de Dimanche, “One cannot fight against the rumours, but I can confirm to you: Karim [Benzema] will not be going to Arsenal.
“There has been no discussion and no contact has been established. He of course remains at Madrid. The probable arrival of Gareth Bale is absolutely no threat.
“The two attackers Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale will play on either side with Karim at the point.”
Since the sale of Gonzalo Higuain to SSC Napoli, Benzema is undoubtedly Madrid’s number one striker. Once news of a potential bid for the Frenchman from Arsenal arose it was only believed possible should Madrid then use the funds raised through his sale to replace him with Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.
Such a transfer merry-go-round was always unlikely though, with recent developments at Anfield seeming to indicate that Suarez will not be leaving during this transfer window.
For now, Arsenal will have to make do with the in-form Olivier Giroud until a more realistic target can be identified.
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