Arsenal Transfer News: Karim Benzema Laughs at Real Madrid Exit Rumours

Arsenal target Karim Benzema has admitted he "laughs" at rumours linking him with a move away from Real Madrid.

According to Sky Sports, he told Le Journal du Dimanche that he "never" considered leaving the Bernabeu and added:

"

Like every summer, I laugh about it with my brother and my friends. We wait for the media to come out with these rumours.

In my opinion, I think that Real and Barca are the pinnacle in football. Why I would leave? 

I'm a starter for the best club in the world. I am happy; it's that simple.

"

As Sky Sports' report notes, the Frenchman was heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates in the summer.

Benzema took to Twitter to reject the rumours at the time though:

The striker has been in exceptional form this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions. His six goals in La Liga put him behind only Neymar in the race for the Pichichi.

Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez highlights the crucial part Benzema plays for Los Blancos:

A clinical finisher like Benzema would be a huge boost for the Gunners as they seek to win the Premier League title, despite the impressive form of Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud.

Arsenal might have hoped to capitalise on the fact that Benzema has only completed 90 minutes twice for Real under new manager Rafael Benitez, who frequently opts to sacrifice him for another midfielder to shore up the side in a winning position while keeping Cristiano Ronaldo on the field.

In north London, Benzema would have no such problem. But it's clear the 27-year-old is committed to staying in the Spanish capital. Indeed, football journalist Rik Sharma believes he'll only depart if they sign one of the few forwards better than him in world football:

Real's propensity for making galactico signings could indeed see them move for Sergio Aguero or Robert Lewandowski in the future, but until then, it seems Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for their goalscoring needs.