Striker Benzema refutes Arsenal move claims

Karim Benzema has denied reports he came close to leaving Real Madrid for Arsenal this summer.

The French forward was strongly linked with a move to the Gunners but he remained in Madrid for the start of his seventh campaign with Real.

When asked about the rumours that he would join Arsenal, Benzema said to French TV show Telefoot: "Not at all.

"I'm not going to repeat myself every time.

"I'm at the best club in the world and I'm going to continue to work every year.

"I'm happy where I am."