Karim Benzema has reportedly rejected a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia, with the forward now set to remain with Real Madrid for the 2023-24 campaign.
The 35-year-old's existing deal with Los Blancos is due to expire at the end of June, and towards the end of last week, there was widespread speculation surrounding his future.
Benzema had allegedly made the decision to leave Bernabeu in order to move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad placing a huge contract on the table.
However, the Frenchman played down rumours that he could depart at a press conference on Thursday, insisting that "the internet is not reality" amid the speculation.
Multiple well-placed sources had claimed that the forward had informed Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez of his desire to leave on a free transfer.
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However, according to Marca, Benzema has now decided to reject the offer from Saudi Arabia in order to spend the 2023-24 campaign with Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are yet to officially confirm a contract extension for the striker, but an announcement is expected in the near future, which will end the recent speculation.
The report claims that Benzema wants to leave Real Madrid 'in an honourable manner' next summer, and he could then arrive in Saudi Arabia to finish his professional career.
The Frenchman is said to be confident that he can perform at the top level for another season despite having injury problems during the 2022-23 campaign.
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Benzema has scored 30 goals and registered six assists in 42 appearances for Real Madrid during the 2022-23 campaign, including 18 goals and three assists in La Liga.
The Frenchman is expected to recover from a foot injury to feature in his side's final game of the season against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday evening.
Real Madrid have won the UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Copa del Rey this term, but they fell short in both the Champions League and La Liga.
Despite Benzema's U-turn, Los Blancos are still planning to sign another forward this summer, with Mariano Diaz and Marco Asensio preparing to leave the club on free transfers.
Espanyol's Joselu, who has netted 16 La Liga goals this term, could allegedly join Ancelotti's side on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.
Matt Law
