Karim Benzema's stance on Arsenal transfer as Rio Ferdinand issues Mikel Arteta demand
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Karim Benzema has no plans to retire and claims he has years left in the game - with Arsenal urged to sign the former Real Madrid star. The Frenchman chose to quit Los Blancos in 2023 and head to Saudi Arabia, where he penned a lucrative contract with Al Ittihad. That move came after he produced some of the best seasons of his career, culminating with him picking up a number of individual honours.
Benzema scored 75 times in his final two seasons with Real, including a career best 44 in the year that the Spanish side claimed the Champions League. Arsenal have been tipped to bring in more firepower in January as they continue to struggle in the final third.
Despite now being 37, Benzema has no intention of hanging up his boots and hasn't set a time limit for retiring. A number of players have headed to Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe and the Frenchman is determined to keep on playing with trophies still a huge motivator.
As reported by EPSN, he said this month: "I don't know whose words they are. Nonsense. I don't have a limit, to be able to say that in two, three or four years, that I'll be leaving football. I feel good. My body is fine. I train well and we'll see how I feel each year.".
Benzema also added: "I want to keep winning. In my head, I want to win a trophy with Al Ittihad. It's difficult because the level has improved a lot and the teams are strong, better than before. We'll keep working, because we haven't won anything yet.".
Ally McCoist claimed that Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, would be the ideal target for Arsenal, but Ferdinand came out and called on the Gunners to put an offer to the Ballon d'Or winner. He said: "I’d go and get Benzema. I’d say give me a six-month loan, have that.".
