Benzema dampens transfer speculation
LONDON: Karim Benzema appears to have put an end to speculation linking him with a sensational move to Arsenal.
The Real Madrid striker has been linked with a move to the Emirates for much of the summer and with the transfer window having just a few days to run, those rumours have intensified.
However, the France international has put out a tweet insisting that Real Madrid is his “home”, seemingly ending the tittletattle in under 140 characters.
Alongside a picture of himself in the Real Madrid changing rooms with his thumbs up, he wrote: “For all those clowns who want to make believe things at my fans. Here this is my home!”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to continue their pursuit of Paul Pogba up until the close of the transfer window as they attempt to convince Juventus to sell.
Manager Jose Mourinho is understood to be desperate to sign the France international, particularly in light of his Chelsea’s stuttering start to the campaign.
It’s also reported that there are fears that Barcelona could move for the 22-yearold once their transfer embargo is lifted in January.
The Blues may have won at West Brom on Sunday, but only after a back-to-thewalls performance after a red card for John Terry.
Since convening for pre-season training there have been no clean sheets and seven goals have been conceded in just three Premier League games.
It is not just the defenders that are a concern but the protection they are getting from the midfield.
Nemanja Matic’s abilities are unquestioned, but Cesc Fabregas has come in for criticism for his inability to defend.
Pogba’s pace, strength in the tackle and ability on the ball would form a perfect union with Matic’s reading of the play and positional sense.
In another development, Manchester United have been linked with a stunning swoop for Kevin De Bruyne.
Reports in Germany suggest Louis van Gaal’s side are ready to hijack the £50m deal in place that would see the Belgium international move to their city rivals Manchester City.
The Wolfsburg player, who once played for Chelsea, is understood to be close to a move to the Etihad with recent reports suggesting the fee has been agreed.
However, Manchester United could move for the 2014/15 Bundesliga Player of the Year having missed out on a number of other high profile targets. Most recently, the pursuit of Pedro Rodriguez ended in disappointment when the Spain international opted to join Chelsea at the eleventh hour.
Bayern Munich have also been linked, but they quickly denied the suggestion.