• Premier League

Benzema dismisses Arsenal link

ESPN staff
May 27, 2011
Karim Benzema scored 15 La Liga goals last season © Getty Images
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Karim Benzema does not expect to leave Real Madrid for Arsenal this summer, despite confirmed interest from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Relations were strained between Benzema and Real chief Jose Mourinho at the start of last season, leading to speculation the France international could exit the Bernabeu this summer.

But Benzema forced his way into Mourinho's plans come the end of the campaign, and ended with 15 goals from 20 La Liga starts, which was enough to leave him second in Real's scoring charts.

Now the 23-year-old has revealed he is confident of staying at Real, who signed him from Lyon for €35 million in 2009.

"I do not think Real Madrid want to sell," Benzema told Marca. "Mourinho is confident in me. Next season you will see the best from Benzema."

The news deals a blow to Wenger, who has pledged to be more active than normal in the transfer market this season as he attempts to end Arsenal's six-year trophy drought.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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