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Benzema to reject Arsenal

Benzema to reject Arsenal


Benzema to reject Arsenal

Football Transfer Centre

Arsenal target Karim Benzema is to stay at Ligue 1 giants Lyon until they win the Champions League. The talented young French striker is wanted by the Gunners for around £12 million, and Benzema is considered one of the best young players in Europe.

The 19-year-old striker has taken Ligue 1 by storm this season, and alerted Europe's top clubs to one of football's most exciting new talents. Arsenal, AC Milan and Real Madrid are all tracking Benzema; and while he will not rule out a big-money move in future, he insists he will not leave until Lyon lift the Champions League trophy.

"I have a contract with Lyon until 2012, and I've always told [Lyon president Jean-Michel] Aulas I will stay with the club at least until we win the Champions League," Benzema told RTL radio Thursday.

Lyon qualified for the last 16 knockout phase for the fifth consecutive year Wednesday, although it took a win at Rangers fuelled by Benzema's magnificent brace to seal their passage.

Benzema added: "There are still a lot of things I want to achieve at Lyon. Afterwards, we'll see."