Arsenal and Chelsea get fresh Karim Benzema transfer hope as 'fake' Real Madrid statement made

Arsenal and Chelsea have been given renewed hope of signing Karim Benzema after a huge update on his future. The France international departed Real Madrid last summer to embark on a challenge in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad, however he could leave after just six months at his new club.

Talk of a premature exit came to light after the 36-year-old was omitted from training with his team-mates in Dubai earlier this year after not returning on the set day from the Saudi Pro League mid-season break. Al-Ittihad return to league action on Wednesday, February 7 and with Benzema still training on his own, his future in the Middle East remains up in the air.

Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a short-term move to sign Benzema given their goal-scoring issues and the undeniable ability he possesses in front of goal. However, amid significant talk surrounding his future, Benzema delivered an emphatic update on the speculation.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Benzema said: «It's completely false. The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.» Despite his words, Benzema has continued to be a topic of discussion as a player that could still be on the move in January, even though Al-Ittihad do not want to see him leave.

Both Lyon and Real Madrid, two former clubs of Benzema have also been linked with a shock move, however a reunion at either looks unlikely. The French club were said to be exploring the possibility of signing Benzema earlier this week but no further development has taken place.

Re-joining Madrid, just six months on from leaving, would also be quite the surprise but now that avenue has seemingly been ruled ou… As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a report