Karim Benzema breaks silence on future with 'bigger the better' comment amid Man Utd and Chelsea links

Karim Benzema has broken his silence on a potential transfer away from Saudi Arabia as he continues to be linked with a return to Europe.

The 36-year-old forward swapped Real Madrid for the Saudi Pro League this summer as he agreed to a lucrative three-year-deal at Al Ittihad.

Benzema joined the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez in moving to the Middle East, following a heavy summer transfer window of recruitment from the spending powers of Saudi Arabia.

However, the move hasn't gone to plan for every player that made the decision to depart Europe this summer, after former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson cut his time short in the country in favour of a move to Ajax, just six-months after arriving.

Other players such as Roberto Firmino have also been linked with an early exit, with Benzema being the latest name mentioned in the conversation.

The former Madrid striker is the current captain of Al Ittihad and has netted 12 goals in 20 games for last season's champions, who now sit in seventh place across the Saudi Pro League standings.

More recently, Benzema reported back to winter training 17-days later than he was scheduled to, which sparked rumours that he could be unhappy in his current surroundings.

The likes of Manchester United, Lyon, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for the striker, although he has now put the rumours to bed during an interview with French outlet L'Equipe.

Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad

"It's completely false! The French media don't know what to invent any more. The bigger the better," said Benzema.

According to The Athletic, Lyon were initially exploring a deal to bring Benzema back to the club, after his initial spell from 2005 to 2009.

However, his salary demands are believed to be a major stumbling block for any potential buyer.

The report goes on to state that Benzema has given no indication to the hierarchy at the club that he wants to leave, with the team set to return to action on February 4 against Al Faisaly in the King Cup of Champions.