Arsenal dealt blow in Karim Benzema chase as Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez insists £46m-rated striker is staying at Bernabeu

Arsenal are keen to land Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema this summer

Rafa Benitez says the France international is staying at the Bernabeu

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Rafael Benitez has put an end to rumours Karim Benzema will sign for Arsenal.

The Real Madrid striker has been linked with a £46m switch to the Gunners throughout the summer - but his manager at the Bernabeu says he is going nowhere.

'My answer is yes I think he will stay with us,' Benitez said.

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been linked with a big-money move to Arsenal this summer

'I don’t see any problem. He trains really well and I am pleased with him.'

Former Liverpool boss Benitez, speaking at the annual pre-season Audi Cup ahead of his side's clash with Tottenham on Tuesday, added that Frenchman Benzema had not travelled with the squad, who are also missing the injured Cristiano Ronaldo.

'Benzema won’t be here, he’s got to stay at home,' said Benitez.

'We have to make sure he is safe and well.'

Real have also been heavily linked with Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, but Benitez would not be moved over whether they were set to make a bid for the 24-year-old, whose Old Trafford contract expires at the end of next season.

'I said before the last five press conferences,' he explained.

Real Mardid head coach Rafa Benitez says that the France international will be staying at the club

'He is not our player. I can only speak about our players. I am really pleased with our keepers.'

On Ronaldo, and rumours the pair had clashed after Benitez took over at the club earlier this summer, the manager said: 'We have no problems. He is a very competitive player.

'This morning he had a lower back problem so we decided to leave him.'