Benzema not available for Transfer- Agent

Karim Benzema’s agent Karim Djaziri has confirmed that the Real Madrid forward is not leaving the club, putting an end to all the speculation surrounding the French striker’s future.

Arsenal were poised to bring in a striker this summer as their marquee signing, and according to reports, Benzema was the top priority for Arsene Wenger after Alexandre Lacazette committed his future at Lyon. When asked about a possible bid for the 27-year-old striker, Gunners boss failed to deny his interest in Benzema, saying that he won’t waste an opportunity to sign an “exceptional player”.

Benzema enjoyed a good season with Real Madrid, scoring 22 and assisting 11 goals in 46 appearances for the club, and therefore is on the wishlist of many top clubs. However. Benzema’s agent has insisted that the striker is happy at the Santiago Bernabeu, and is not looking to leave the club this summer.

“Benzema is very happy at Real Madrid and he will be a Real Madrid player by the end of this transfer window, 1,000 per cent,” Djaziri told by Sky Sports in an interview. “Benzema is not looking to move anywhere this summer.”

Arsenal were not the only one looking to sign Benzema this summer. Manchester United have also shown interest in the Frenchman, as they look to replace Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao. But Benzema is considered to be a favourite of Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Arsenal have been signing big-name players in the past couple of years, including the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. Continuing with their buying spree, they are looking to make another marquee signing this summer, and are prepared to splash around £35 million (€50 million) on Benzema.

But with Benzema confirming that he is not for sale this summer through his agent, Wenger might have to make do with Olivier Giroud as the main striker next season, though Sanchez and Theo Walcott can also play the striker’s role.