Benzema rubs salt into Arteta's wounds after Arsenal 'disappointment'

Karim Benzema has been pictured in a retro Arsenal shirt after the Gunners were urged to sign the veteran striker in the January transfer window.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was keen to strengthen his attacking options after both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus were sidelined with serious injuries, but they failed to sign a new striker before the window slammed shut.

Aston Villa rejected a big offer for Ollie Watkins and sold fellow striker Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr instead, while Mathys Tel ended up joining Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich despite interest from Arsenal.

And Arteta has admitted he is "disappointed" with the failure to sign a new forward, stating: "We had a clear intention which is there is a window open. For the players that can impact it, we haven't achieved it. We are disappointed. But we are very aware that we only want to bring certain types of player."

Six-time Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand even suggested Arsenal should try and sign a 37-year-old Benzema on loan from Al-Ittihad, telling TNT Sports last month: "I'd go and get Benzema. I'd say give me a six-month loan, have that."

Arsenal were previously linked with a move for Benzema in January 2024, but he ultimately decided to stay in Saudi Arabia. And Arsenal fans have now got a glimpse of Benzema in their colours, with the former France international seen wearing a retro Gunners shirt with Dennis Bergkamp's name on the back in a video posted on his Instagram.

Benzema has scored 28 goals in 46 games since leaving Real Madrid to join Al-Ittihad and, despite turning 37 in December, he has insisted he has no plans to retire any time soon. "I don't know whose words they are," he said when asked about retirement, as per EPSN.

"Nonsense. I don't have a limit, to be able to say that in two, three or four years, that I'll be leaving football. I feel good. My body is fine. I train well and we'll see how I feel each year.

"I want to keep winning. In my head, I want to win a trophy with Al Ittihad. It's difficult because the level has improved a lot and the teams are strong, better than before. We'll keep working, because we haven't won anything yet."