Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who now plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, is not considering retirement anytime soon after being urged to join Arsenal in January.

The 37-year-old, who racked up an impressive 75 goals in his last two seasons with the Spanish giants, including 44 in one season to aid their Champions League triumph, has dismissed any talk of winding down his successful playing career. Despite his age, rumours have circulated that Arsenal could do with Benzema's prolific scoring abilities as they seek to address their attacking issues come January.

While some players have returned to Europe after spells in Saudi Arabia, Benzema remains focused on competing and winning - hinting at his determination to land silverware with Al Ittihad. Speaking to ESPN, Benzema asserted his ongoing passion for the game: "I don't know whose words they are. 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."

Benzema also added: "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."

Ally McCoist has identified Victor Osimhen as a prime target for Arsenal, given that he's currently making waves at Galatasaray while on loan from Napoli. Nevertheless, Rio Ferdinand steered the conversation towards a more audacious move, suggesting Benzema would be a quality signing for Mikel Arteta's side, reports the Mirror.

Ferdinand said: "I’d go and get Benzema. I’d say give me a six-month loan, have that." The striker has scored 28 times in 46 outings for Al Ittihad and Ferdinand believes that acquiring Benzema could bolster Arsenal's quest for glory in either the Premier League or Champions League, especially with Kai Havertz spearheading their attack at present.

On Arsenal being in the market for a striker, Arteta told TNT Sports: "Yes for sure because we lost two big players, Bukayo who could be out for up to three months and then Gabby who will be out for a long, long, long time. We are going to try [in this window] for sure. We are actively looking. We will try. Let's see what we can get."