Arsenal fans have been handed a huge blow in the pursuit of number one target, Karim Benzema, after the striker denied any chance of the move happening.
The Gunners have been tracking the Real Madrid striker over the last few seasons, but have failed to have a good enough setup to lure the 27-year-old to the Emirates.
But following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the 2014/15 campaign, rumours and reports filled the back pages of the French international’s future club.
The arrival of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez fuelled speculation of Benzema’s imminent departure, and since then doubt has been cast over the forwards happiness.
However, despite regular substitutes and uncertainty over the managers confidence, Benzema has now stated publicly exactly how he feels at the Spanish giants.
Whilst talking to Journal du Dimanche, the La Liga striker confirmed that moving away from the Bernabeu would never be an option.
Never. Like every summer, I laugh about it with my brother and my friends. We wait for the media to come up with these rumours.
In my opinion, I think that Real and Barca are the pinnacle in football. Why would I leave?
I’m a starter for the best club in the world. I’m happy, it’s that simple.
And although those comments may come as a disappointment to many Arsenal supporters, you have to agree with the striker’s comments.
Benzema is playing at the highest level of football Europe has to offer, and no price tag that Arsenal may offer can ever tempt a player away from that.
The only way Benzema may have joined the Premier League in January would be through his love of the English game, but at 27 it won’t be long until the centre forward has seen his best days.
Arsene Wenger may feel quite content with his decision not to purchase a striker this year, and with Danny Welbeck returning from injury in January it’s hard to see us putting pen to paper with anyone.
Did You See: “I Won’t Be At Bayern For Long” Is Pep Guardiola On His Way To Arsenal?
Like us on Facebook by clicking here and follow us on Twitter @Fresh_Arsenal to stay up to date with all the news, blogs and transfer updates. You can now follow our new Instagram page here.