Karim Benzema breaks silence on Saudi Arabia exit amid Manchester United transfer links

Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema has addressed reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The former Real Madrid forward was one of the many high-profile names to join the Saudi Pro League in the summer. Benzema has scored nine goals in 15 league games this term, but speculation around his future began to increase when reports emerged that he had failed to return to training on time.

Reports in France claimed that Benzema had asked to leave Al-Ittihad, while the club is said to have offered the alternative of joining another Saudi Arabian side on loan. A fresh update from Spanish publication Marca suggested that United were one of the clubs interested in signing the 36-year-old during the January transfer window.

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According to the Spanish outlet, United have been ‘talking’ to Benzema’s entourage, as have Arsenal and Lyon, ahead of a ‘definitive’ meeting between the player and Al-Ittihad. But when asked about his future by L'Equipe, the forward shut down any suggestion that he is set to leave.

He said: "It's completely false! The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better."

Despite Benzema’s answer, his future is certain to be an ongoing topic throughout the remainder of the January transfer window. The veteran forward scored 31 goals in his final season with Real Madrid and would still prove to be a quality addition for most sides across European football.

Meanwhile, United have been dealt a blow regarding their own striking options. The club have confirmed that Anthony Martial has undergone