Rumours linking Karim Benzema to Arsenal and Gareth Bale to Manchester United will not disappear, but Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is hopeful both will stay at the club.
Wenger Responds To Benzema Links
Benitez insists both players are important to the squad and believes they won't be going anywhere.
Benitez was quizzed over whether he thought Benzema would stay at the club, despite the links with Arsenal.
"I think he will stay," the Spaniard said. "He trains well and I am satisfied with him," he told media, as quoted by FourFourTwo.
The attention then shifted to Gareth Bale and the links to Manchester United.
"Of course, Gareth is a very important player for us. I won't talk about any offers and what might happen," Benitez said.
"He wants to play for Real Madrid, he is happy and he will play a great season for us.
"The first impressions that I have are excellent. I have a great team, great players and I am delighted.
"From the word go, we have seen a tremendous desire to win titles."
CR7, Bale Benzema Called Into Question
Los Blancos take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Audi Cup this evening and could face either Bayern Munich or AC Milan in their next encounter.
Do you think Real Madrid can afford to lose Bale and Benzema this season? Have your say in the comments section below.
