Karim Benzema’s stance on Arsenal transfer as Rio Ferdinand issues Mikel Arteta demand

Karim Benzema has no plans to retire and claims he has years left in the game – with Arsenal urged to sign the former Real Madrid star.

The Frenchman opted to leave Los Blancos in 2023 and move to Saudi Arabia, where he signed a lucrative contract with Al Ittihad. That move came after he produced some of the best seasons of his career, culminating in a number of individual accolades.

Benzema scored 75 goals in his last two seasons at Real, including a career-best 44 in the year the Spanish side claimed the Champions League. Arsenal have been tipped to bring in more firepower in January as they continue to struggle in the final third.

Despite now being 37, Benzema has no plans to hang up his boots and has not set a time limit on his retirement. A number of players have left for Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe and the Frenchman is determined to keep playing with trophies still a huge motivator.

As reported by EPSN, he said this month: “I don't know whose words they are. Nonsense. I have no limit to be able to say that in two, three or four years I will feel good about leaving football. My body is fine. I'm training well and we'll see how I feel every year.”

Benzema also added: “I want to keep winning. In my head I want to win a trophy with Al Ittihad. It is difficult because the level has improved a lot and the teams are strong, better than before. We will keep working because we still didn't win anything.”

Ally McCoist claimed Victor Osimhen, currently on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, would be the ideal target for Arsenal, but Ferdinand came out calling for the Gunners to make a bid for the Ballon d'Or winner . He said: 'I would go and get Benzema. I'd say, give me a six-month loan, take it.'

The forward has scored 28 times in 46 appearances for Al Ittihad and his goals would boost Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League or Champions League, with Kai Havertz currently at the center of their attack.

Ferdinand asked Arteta after the north London derby victory whether Arsenal, who have ruled out Gabriel Jesus for the season, would now perform in January with both goals and attacking assets, which is now an issue at the Emirates.

Arteta told TNT Sports: “Yes for sure, because we have lost two big players: Bukayo who could be out for a maximum of three months and Gabby who will be out for a very long time. We are going to try [in this window] Certainly. We are actively looking. We'll try. Let's see what we can get.”

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