Agent Of €41m Arsenal Target Responds To Reports He’s Held Talks With Man Utd

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Karim Benzema’s agent hits back at reports he could leave Real Madrid….

The agent of Karim Benzema has dismissed the idea of his client leaving Real Madrid this summer amid rumoured interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, according to reports.

Benzema has just enjoyed another productive season with Madrid that saw him score 22 goals in 46 appearances as the Spanish giants reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and pushed Barcelona all the way in the La Liga title race.

Despite his positive impact, there has been constant speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League this summer with Arsenal and Manchester United both believed to be keen on luring him to England.

Speculation early last week suggested the Gunners were eyeing a €41m (£30m) move after Arsene Wenger made Benzema his No.1 transfer target while further reports claimed that United chiefs held talks with the strikers agent, Karim Djaziri, in the Savoy hotel in Manchester to discuss a potential switch to Old Trafford.

However, the players agent has now hit back at those reports, saying he didn’t meet United officials and insists that Benzema has no interest to leave the Bernabeu this summer unless he’s told he’s no longer needed

Djaziri is quoted as saying in the Mirror:

“I haven’t met with any club in London,”

“Not with United and not with anyone else. We haven’t held talks with anyone other than Real Madrid.

“What is Karim going to do in Manchester? He’s happy in Madrid. He doesn’t want to leave. Benzema would only leave if Real Madrid told him he was surplus to requirements, because he isn’t going to leave of his own accord.

“Karim wants to see out his contract. He wants to retire at Real Madrid.”

So it appears the 27-year-old has no desire to leave Madrid, unless he’s pushed out the door. We’ve heard rumours of Benzema leaving for years and he’s always stayed in Spain, however, what if Madrid will actively look to sell the striker this summer?

With new boss Rafa Benitez ready to play Cristiano Ronaldo through the middle next season, reports in Spain this weekend have suggested that Benzema could be sacrificed as Madrid look to raise funds for a swoop on United for David De Gea.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

I’m sure if the French international will consider his options if he finds out he’s set for a season warming the bench next year, so there could still be some hope for Arsenal and United to pull off a sensational coup.

Many feel the Gunners are a top class striker short of being genuine title challengers while Louis van Gaal needs another goal-scorer after rejecting the chance to sign Radamel Falcao on a permanent basis, and Benzema would be a dream purchase for either club.

But it looks as though until Madrid tell the striker he’s not part of Benitez’s first team plans, he’ll be staying in Spain….We’ll keep a close eye on how things develop over the coming weeks.