Real Madrid BLOCKED Karim Benzema from joining Arsenal, it has been revealed.

The Daily Mail says Benzema wanted to move to Arsenal, but was prevented from doing so by Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.

Benzema is one of Perez's favourite players.

The Frenchman has scored three times in three La Liga appearances so far this term, and looks settled at the Bernabeu once again.

Benzema was linked with a £40million switch to the Emirates.