Karim Benzema dismisses links with Premier League clubs

Karim Benzema has revealed he had no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer in favor of a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United.

The French striker was strongly tipped to solve Arsenal's striker dilemma, while Real Madrid president Florentino Perez recently claimed he was one on a list of four players â€“ including Gareth Bale, Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos – that the Red Devils enquired about during the off-season.

However, the 27-year-old forward has insisted his focus was always on Real Madrid and that he was never looking for a move away from the Bernabeu.

"There was nothing in the talk of a transfer away from Madrid," he told Telefoot. "I'm happy at my current club, it's the best in the world. I'll continue to work here and be happy where I am."

Benzema also revealed after France's 1-0 friendly win against Portugal that he was still working his way back to full fitness after suffering from a series of minor setbacks over the summer.

"It's been like four months since I played properly," he added. "I've played a little bit for Madrid, but that's all. I'm working little by little to be back in shape."