• Premier League

No contact from Arsenal - Benzema

ESPN staff
July 19, 2011
Karim Benzema is happy to fight for his place in the Real Madrid team © Getty Images
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Karim Benzema has signalled his intention to remain at Real Madrid and fight for his place.

The France international had been linked with a move to Arsenal, but Benzema insists he is happy at Madrid and he has not been in talks with any other clubs over a move away from the Bernabeu.

"I've not spoken with anybody [about a move]," Benzema said. "I'm at Madrid and I want to succeed here. Nothing more. I'm at Madrid, which is the important thing."

As things stand, Benzema appears likely to be competing with Gonzalo Higuain for the central role in a front three, but Jose Mourinho has indicated that he wants to bring in another striker before the close of the transfer window.

Emmanuel Adebayor appears the most likely to join, while Neymar could follow in January, but Benzema does not believe the new arrivals will hinder his own prospects.

"It's normal that Madrid want to sign the best players in the world," he said. "I'm going to work hard to be able to play. I'm 100%. It's not a problem for me that they want to sign strikers. I have a very high level of confidence. I'm going to work hard and succeed."

Benzema also emphasised that he has a strong working relationship with Mourinho.

"It's very good," he said. "There's no problem with him - he's a great coach for me. Last season was good for me because I scored a lot of goals. He always helps me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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