Following much speculation over his future at the Santiago Bernabeu after the arrival of Toni Koos and James Rodriguez, French international striker Karim Benzema has dashed the hopes of both Arsenal and Liverpool by signing an extension to his current contract that will now see him staying in the Spanish capital until 2019.
The now 26-year-old Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2009 in a deal that was reported as being 40€ million, and has since gone on to score 111 goals in 233 appearances for the club.
It remains to be seen as to whether or not Arsenal and Liverpool will sign a striker before the transfer window closes on September first, but with Benzema no longer available they will have to turn their attention elsewhere.
