Karim Benzema’s contract talks with Real Madrid show no sign of resolution, with Arsenal still keen to bring him to Emirates Stadium.
The agent of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has confirmed that his client would like to stay at Real Madrid, but has not yet been able to agree an extension on his contract.
The France international striker had one of his best seasons at Estadio Bernabeu last term, and has carried on his form into the 2014 FIFA World Cup, judging by his brace against Honduras in his country’s opener.
Benzema only has a year remaining on his current deal with the UEFA Champions League winners, but in an interview with l’Equipe, the 26 year-old’s representative Karim Djaziri said he was not thinking of finding another club.
“We have not yet reached an agreement for the renewal with President Perez,” said Djaziri in the paper version of l’Equipe, as reported by AS.com.
“Karim has already expressed his desire to stay for a long time and he is a man of his word.”
It is easy to see where the disparity between club and player lies.
AS state in a report from earlier this week that Benzema is looking to double his salary to earn €9 million per year (approximately £7.2m), which equates to around £140,000 per week.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo earns a higher wage packet at Real Madrid, and Benzema wants parity with Gareth Bale in the top echelon at Real Madrid.
While Benzema is clearly keen to stay in Spain, if his club are unwilling to match his demands, they may elect to cash in this summer rather than lose him on a free transfer in a year.
Arsenal, who have long been linked with the Frenchman, will be watching the situation carefully.