Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has fuelled speculation surrounding his future at Bernabeu by posting a cryptic message on Instagram that left delirious Arsenal fans into a frenzy.
The French striker posted a photo of himself apparently aboard a private jet with the caption that roughly means “Leave the past to the past and using hashtags #directionturfu, a Verlan phrase that means “next stop: the future”, hinting at possible departure from Real Madrid to some other top rated club on soccer horizon.
The Spanish side is currently in China to play two pre-season friendlies against Serie A side AC Milan.
The former Lyon striker is heavily linked with a move to Premier League sides Arsenal and Manchester United, despite player’s agent, Karim Djaziri, claiming that he is “1,000 percent” sure Benzema will remain with La Liga giants.
The Instagram message had enough substance in it to send the Gooners into meltdown on Social Media, with many of them even using the hashtag #WelcomeBenzema, often used by the Emirates club to announce new signings.
legendary striker Ian Wright also joined the Twitter uproar, but there is no additional evidence that the player might even be heading for London.
Both Arsenal and United are desperately hunting for a prolific goal scorer for the upcoming season and Benzema seems to be Mr. Right for the Premier League outfits.
The 27-year-old striker has netted 87 goals in 188 appearances for the La Liga giants since arriving at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in 2009.
He scored a superb goal in Madrid’s 4-1 pre-season triumph over Manchester City but was left on the bench for the game against Inter Milan in China.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is believed to have placed compatriot on top of his summer shopping list. His initial £30.3m bid for the French national was turned down by Los Blancos, but he is expected to lodge an improved offer in the region of £40m for the striker.
A move to Old Trafford can’t be ruled out either as Real Madrid are desperate to sign United goalkeeper David De Gea but Red Devils are not willing to let him go without signing a high caliber player like Benzema in return.
The Old Trafford club had rejected Madrid’s initial £21m bid for De Gea earlier this summer and are thought to be looking for around £29m for the shot-stopper.
let me use this medium to send this message to arsenal fans.for telling them not to worry about benzima signing.with players we having now is enough to compete with chelsea.let us give hope and trust to geroud and I bet you with that this is his season.geroud wake up and put your critics wrong.