Sir Alex Ferguson's Old Quotes On Missing Out On Karim Benzema Amid Manchester United And Arsenal Links

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Sir Alex Ferguson's old quotes on signing Karim Benzema have resurfaced as Manchester United have been linked with a move for the veteran French striker. As reported by Metro, the former Real Madrid striker has emerged as a target for the Red Devils as he is believed to be eager to move back to Europe.

The former Real Madrid attacker has also been linked with a loan move to Arsenal as the Gunners are also said to be keen on signing a natural goalscorer having struggled in the goalscoring department.

The one-time Ballon d'Or winner ended his 14-year spell with Real Madrid last summer joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in a £86million-a-season deal. However, Metro claims that the Frenchman could be heading towards the exit door from the Saudi Arabian side this month.

The 36-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 20 games across competitions this season. However, the ex-Real Madrid striker has made headlines for off-field issues.

The former France international reportedly did not report for the start of Al-Ittihad's pre-season campaign last Friday. Al-Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo has reportedly ordered him to not join up with his teammates.

Benzema reportedly also missed training on three separate occasions towards the end of 2023. It is understood that he could be leaving Saudi Arabia in January with Manchester United keen on the player.

As Benzema has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson's quotes on a failed transfer to sign him back in 2009 have resurfaced. As claimed by Sport Bible, the Red Devils wanted him from Lyon but were beaten by Real Madrid for his signature.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that Manchester United were prepared to splash £35 million for his services but Lyon wanted £42 million. He said, as quoted by Sport Bible

"We tried to spend [the Ronaldo money] on Karim Benzema as, at 21, I felt that there would be an improvement there. He is tough, good physique, and a good goal-scoring record, so it was worth going a wee bit extra for him because of his age. But when it went to £42million, it was beyond his value. We went to £35million and I think that was fair."

Howeer, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insisted that Real Madrid actually signed Benzema for an inferior fee compared to what the Red Devils were willing to pay. He said:

"When Karim was solicited to leave Lyon, we had two offers: Manchester United and Real Madrid. Karim, like Nabil [Fekir], came to see me, and that's where there are relationships that show trust, and told me 'My dream is to play for Real Madrid'. And so he went to Real Madrid for an inferior fee to what we had from Manchester United."

Benzema enjoyed a glittering career in European football with Lyon and Real Madrid. He won seven trophies with Lyon and 24 trophies with Real Madrid including five Champions Leagues. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2022 following a phenomenal season with Los Blancos.