Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema says he laughs at rumours linking him with a move away from the Bernabeu and insists he is happy at "the best club in the world".
Benzema was linked with a move to Arsenal in several Spanish and British newspapers in the summer, but remained at Real Madrid, where he has scored seven goals in eight games this season.
The 27-year-old Frenchman, who has scored over 20 goals in the past five seasons at Real Madrid, says he finds the rumours funny, and says Real and bitter rivals Barcelona are the "pinnacle" of the game.
Asked whether he was close to leaving Real Madrid, Benzema told Journal du Dimanche: "Never. Like every summer, I laugh about it with my brother and my friends. We wait for the media to come out with these rumours.
"In my opinion, I think that Real and Barca are the pinnacle in football. Why I would leave?
"I'm a starter for the best club in the world. I am happy; it's that simple."