Transfer Rumors 2015: Will Real Madrid Sell Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale?
Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale are being linked to a move out of Real Madrid, but will Los Blancos decide to part ways with both superstars?
Newly-installed coach Rafa Benitez told reporters that he thinks Benzema will stay at Bernabeu despite reports from AS, which suggested that Arsenal are planning to offer a lucrative transfer deal to acquire the France international.
"My answer is that I think Benzema is going to stay with us," Benitez said via ESPN FC. "I'm very happy with him. There's no reason to think that he's going to go."
According to the AS report, Arsenal are willing to offer as much as €65 million for Benzema. But when asked about the rumors linking their club to the Real Madrid star, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied that there are ongoing talks between them and the Spanish La Liga powerhouse club.
"No, nothing is happening." Wenger said via the club's official website, when asked about making a move for Benzema. "Honestly no. I don't know who brings that up. Is it Spanish media or English media? I don't know."
Benzema was linked to a move out of Bernabeu when Benitez was named manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid failed to win a silverware last season. The 27-year-old forward has netted 134 goals in 281 appearances in six seasons at Real Madrid, ESPN reported.
Meanwhile, Benitez also denied they are planning to sell Bale before the new season kicks off, amid strong interest from other top-tier clubs in Europe.
Benitez hinted that they received offers from several clubs, but he insisted they will not entertain those offers because they are confident the Wales international will play a big role for the team in seasons to come.
"Gareth is a huge player for us and I know that he's happy," Benitez said. "I'm not going to talk about offers. Everything is well and he's going to have a good season with us I'm sure."
Previous reports tagged Manchester United as the most likely landing spot for Bale. Real Madrid are reportedly going after Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, and giving up Bale could lead to a deal for the Spanish goalkeeper.
When asked about the rumors linking them to De Gea, Benitez declined to give a clear-cut response.
"I've said in five previous press conferences that I don't want to talk about players who are in other teams," Benitez said. "We have three very good keepers. I can talk about them, not other goalkeepers."
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