Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez has been speaking about the transfer fates of star players Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema this afternoon.
Bale has been linked with a world-record move to Manchester United, while Arsenal are believed to be plotting a £45.5m swoop for Benzema.
Former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez, who took charge of Madrid in the summer, was insistent that Bale was staying put, but seemed less firm when discussing Benzema’s future.
On Bale, the Spaniard is quoted by Sky Sports as saying: “He is a huge player for us, we will not talk about offers. I know he wants to play well and is happy.”
And on Benzema, Benitez added: “I think Benzema is going to stay with us, I am very happy with him and have no reason to think he will go.”
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Bale has been on United’s radar since before becoming the world’s most expensive player when he left Tottenham Hotspur for Madrid for £85.3m in 2013, but the Welshman was made a scapegoat for their struggles last term and has been tipped to return to England.
France international Benzema is thought to be top of Arsene Wenger’s shortlist of world-class strikers as the Gunners manager aims to assemble a squad to win Arsenal their first title in 11 years.
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