Twitter Reacts to Karim Benzema's Instagram Post Linking Him to an Arsenal Move

Can one probably harmless Instagram post send social media into a transfer frenzy?

When it's Karim Benzema, and when it's Arsenal, that answer is a resounding yes.

The Frenchman posted a picture on Instagram of him flying with a simple message, as the Independent translated: "Leave the past to the past. #directionfuture." The post, albeit cryptically, hints that he could be on his way out from Real Madrid.

And since Benzema has been a long-rumoured target of the north London side, with the Daily Mail reporting he's "understood to be top of Wenger's wanted list," Arsenal fans predictably took to Twitter to get their hopes up.

"

It's happening!! I broke the coded message! #WelcomeBenzema #Benzema #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/fz6KJBPWta

— The Arsenal Way (@ArsenalWay_) July 28, 2015"

"

Arsenal fans checking Benzema's Instagram like... #AFC pic.twitter.com/Nlc5dKLtHn

— Football Tips (@footballtips) July 28, 2015"

"

Benzema is coming to the Emirates. You can bet on it. @ArsenalFC

— Brezh Malaba (@BrezhnevMalaba) July 28, 2015"

"

-Benzema is on a plane -His missus is in England -AFC have told the bank a NEW PLAYERS wages will be £21.5m over 3 years #welcomebenzema 👍🏻

— lee gunner (@lgunner1982) July 28, 2015"

"

Don't want to get excited about Benzema speculation but I'm an Arsenal fan, so I will. #WelcomeBenzema #RamadanKarim pic.twitter.com/1BhuKra1D6

— FK² (@fkhanage) July 28, 2015"

Even Gunners legend Ian Wright weighed in on the post...with emoticons, naturally.

"

Don't tease bro 😡😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/ppiBXswxe9

— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) July 28, 2015"

Everyone was on the lookout for any little hint on where Benzema was bound (or an excuse to troll paranoid Arsenal fans).

"

Karim #Benzema follows 39 accounts on Instagram His most recent follow? An account called “Wengerland” #justsaying pic.twitter.com/cY0Y2TzxE1

— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) July 28, 2015"

"

Just been informed by a friend who works at Luton airport who confirms Benzema's private jet due to land 7pm tonight #afc #WelcomeBenzema

— T-3-D-D-Y (@T3D7DY) July 28, 2015"

"

Apparently Karim Benzema is on a plane headed to London right now 😁😁😁😁😁😁 #arsenal

— Will (@william_1995_) July 28, 2015"

Generally, the feeling was just of nervous hope for Arsenal fans.

"

RT abeck4r: Waiting for Benzema to come to Arsenal please God we are praying for that!!! #COYG #Arsenal #AFC #Gunn… pic.twitter.com/DcSoeMAtoR

— austin joe daniel (@joeaustinjoe) July 28, 2015"

Others were less convinced by an innocent Instagram post.

"

Benzema to Arsenal in one photo pic.twitter.com/XmQ7h4gS1V

— Vindi Retired Dread (@VindiTweets) July 28, 2015"

Most of the "if Arsenal sign Benzema" pledges on Twitter were not fit for print, but they were nonetheless amusing if you fancy a search...

"

I will eat a plastic bag if benzema joins arsenal . Never ever happening

— Vikram (@TheFlashFF) July 28, 2015"

"

If Benzema joins Arsenal I swear I will do an A3 colour photocopy of my genitalia and stick it in my living room window for a week.

— Števe (@GoonerSteve67) July 28, 2015"

[Twitter]