Transfer news: Manchester United and Arsenal 'target' Mesut Ozil storms off in Real Madrid match - but Karim Benzema comes in for praise from Carlo Ancelotti

While goalkeeper Iker Casillas does not feature at all again for Madrid

Karim Benzema celebrates his goal against Granada with Cristiano Ronaldo (GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti singled out Karim Benzema for praise after the Frenchman scored the only goal in Madrid 1-0 victory at Granada last night.

The striker has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal before the transfer window shuts on 2 September. The night did not end as satisfactorily for Manchester United target Mesut Ozil, however, who may have played his last match for Madrid after storming off down the tunnel after being substituted.

“Karim is playing well, scoring and working hard. He's started La Liga well,” the Italian said.

Benzema has been subject of interest from Arsene Wenger’s side, who are considering lodging a £40m bid for the 25-year-old in the next six days. Ancelotti has never given any indication that Benzema, who has scored in each of Madrid’s La Liga matches this season, is not in his plans.

But it was a different scenario for two other Madrid players reported with interest from Premier League clubs in recent weeks, after frustrated midfielder Ozil walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted in the 65-minute in the win at Los Carmenes last night, while Iker Casillas did not feature at all. Ozil’s days at Madrid could be numbered when Gareth Bale completes his move from Tottenham.

Casillas looked on in downbeat fashion from the bench. The goalkeeper has not started a La Liga match since January, having lost his place to Diego Lopez, and like Benzema, has reportedly been subject of an enquiry from Arsenal.