Twitter Reacts as Rumours of Karim Benzema's Arsenal Move Start to Crumble

Fans and critics around the world appear to have reached a consensus this summer: Arsenal can make a legitimate title challenge in 2015-16, but they need a truly world-class striker to fire in the goals (no offence, Olivier Giroud).

On Tuesday, it appeared that the prayers of Gunners fans were set to be answered in the shape of long-term target Karim Benzema:

The French striker posted an image of himself on a private plane, accompanied by a caption that the Independent translated thusly: "Leave the past to the past. #directionfuture." Naturally, plenty of fans jumped to the conclusion that this post referred to Benzema's professional situation and took a further leap in assuming his plane was pointed at the Emirates: 

"

There's some weird Dan Brown Da Vinci Code hidden messages in Benzema's pic, but I think I've solved them. Nailed on. pic.twitter.com/i4K5KBoQTf

— S (@attwood10) July 28, 2015"

Benzema's list of recent Instagram follows helped fuel the flames:

This Arsene Wenger quote, meanwhile, may not be entirely true, but it captured the mood: 

Understandably, Gunners fans were pretty excited: 

"

if arsenal sign benzema we've basically won the league omg @ Allah pls make it happen. ameen.

— s. (@ingloreus) July 28, 2015"

"

If we sign Benzema, I'll slap £200 on Arsenal winning the title.

— Jacquen (@Punz_97) July 28, 2015"

"

Benzema to Arsenal is too good to believe it. One of the best strikers in the worrld and he would be the best in the BPL next to Agüero.

— Schmellitaryan (@Schmellitaryan) July 24, 2015"

"

Every Arsenal fan... #Benzema #Arsenal  pic.twitter.com/8nlGQknR2I

— Arsenal Related (@ArsenalsRelated) July 28, 2015"

"

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

— Football Tips (@footballtips) 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"

The speculation reached a fever pitch on Tuesday evening, when rumours of Benzema's private plane arriving in London spread:

This was big news!

"

Arsenal fans when they see Karim Benzema on a private jet saying: "Leave the past in the past" https://t.co/GahzuuNvXm

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) July 28, 2015"

Sadly, it appeared Benzema had led fans down the garden path, as he turned up in Shanghai for a friendly against Milan:

The speculation took a nose dive when the French forward trained with the team and posed in his white shirt on promotional duties—clearly not the behaviour of a man with his foot out of the door:

Naturally, Arsenal supporters felt let down by what had transpired:

"

I'm not angry at Benzema. Just disappointed

— Jane (@_John_Black_) July 29, 2015"

But, since this is the Internet, the sentiment of Arsenal disappointment was far outweighed by those mocking the red side of north London for being excited in the first place:

"

Arsenal Fans .... Let me make this very clearly ! Karim Benzema won't be a Arsenal Player this season ! So let's just please close the book!

— Muzzi Ozcan (@Muzziozcan) July 29, 2015"

"

Hearing Arsenal fans talking as if they're actually going to sign Benzema... pic.twitter.com/Vh8BAaCzSC

— Sport of Madrid (@SportOfMadrid) July 29, 2015"

The Benzema rumours appear to have gone dormant for now, but there still remains around a month for this young man's shirt to go from absurd to prophetic:

Benzema's fashion choices, however, remain absurd: 

Thankfully, Arsenal fans have been handed a quantum of solace: If Benzema is a no-show again this summer, there's always the back-up plan of sticking Laurent Koscielny up front:

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