Arsenal look likely to sign a striker this year, but it won’t be former Real Madrid man Karim Benzema, according to reports.

Ittihad's French forward #09 Karim Benzema runs with the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on December 26, 2023. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
Ittihad’s French forward #09 Karim Benzema runs with the ball during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on December 26, 2023. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

In recent days, reports linked Arsenal with a surprise move for Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema, with the player apparently unhappy in Saudi Arabia and Manchester United fading from the race to sign him.

According to the claims, Arsenal were interested in signing Benzema on a loan deal, with Chelsea also considering a temporary move for the 36-year-old.

But it looks like the rumour is already dead in the water.

MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 23: Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad looks on prior the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Raed at King Abdul Aziz Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA: Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad looks on prior the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Raed at King Abdul Aziz Stadium on December 23, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

L’Equipe (via GFFN) claim that when they got in contact with Benzema’s entourage, the response was that the striker will “100%” stay at Al-Ittihad.

Benzema is reportedly focused on turning his fortunes around with the Saudi Arabian club, despite some underwhelming displays so far.

The 36-year-old has scored 12 goals in 20 games, which is certainly not a bad return, but not an upgrade on the 31 goals in 43 games he managed in La Liga and the Champions League last season.

Given the comparative standard of league football in Saudi Arabia, 12 in 20 is a little underwhelming.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - AUGUST 28: Jordan Henderson of Al-Ettifaq looks on during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on August 28, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: Jordan Henderson with Al-Ettifaq, looking on during a Saudi Pro League match between Al-Hilal and Al-Ettifaq at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on August 28, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

To put the rumours to bed, Alex Crook of talkSPORT tweeted out “#AFC Benzema” along with a big red X on Friday morning. It seems this story isn’t going anywhere.