Karim Benzema dismisses links with Premier League clubs

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 05: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF celebrates after scoring his team's 7th goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Granada CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 5, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

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 – 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."