Arsenal and Man United target Karim Benzema will score 25 goals this season for Madrid

Karim Benzema will score 20-25 goals this season

RAFA BENITEZ has backed Karim Benzema to score 25 goals for Real Madrid this season.

 

The France striker has been linked with a Premier League switch with both Arsenal and Manchester United on the lookout for an elite centre forward.

Benzema is one being monitored but the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss is keen to keep him.

 

The 27-year-old scored 15 goals in 29 Liga games last season and Benitez expects him to better that this year.

“Benzema is a great player and one of my ideas this year is that he will surpass 20-25 goals," Benitez said.

“I’ve placed a lot of trust in him and Benzema has sufficient resources to operate in all types of attack with any attacker.”

 

Sergio Ramos beams after agreeing a new deal with Real Madrid

Real Madrid kick off their campaign this coming weekend away at Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

And today they confirmed new club captain, Sergio Ramos, has signed a new deal until 2020.

Ramos had been linked with Manchester United and admitted he had to overcome differences with the club before agreeing to the new deal.

"I know this renewal has taken a while but my heart and head have always been with Real Madrid so I couldn't be happier," he said.

 

"I've never spoken about my renewal. With a contract that had two years to go, whatever the press want to say I respect but the reality is a bit different.

"My idea was to always be here and I always wanted to retire here if the president would allow it, and I'm thankful I have a new challenge to be the captain of this team. The priority is always Real Madrid, keeping our fans happy and winning titles.

"I'm being honest I never said I wanted to leave, I was quiet. I never said anything out of respect for my team-mates and the president, I never rang the office to ask for more money. I'm just very happy that I have renewed and I want to stay here for the rest of my career.

"At the end of the day I have been here almost my whole life. My first year was in Sevilla and the rest of my life has been here, that is sufficient motive to want to stay. There is nothing like this institution. My own happiness is the priority, in the end that was fundamental."