Arsenal on alert after Karim Benzema says he is 'fed up' at Real Madrid

Benzema keeps getting substituted by Rafa Benitez - and he's not happy about it

Karim Benzema (right) is substituted by Rafa Benitez

Arsenal have been put on red alert after long-term target Karim Benzema expressed his disappointment after being continually substituted at Real Madrid this season, saying that he is "fed up" with his situation.

The French striker has been taken off in five out of his six La Liga starts by coach Rafa Benitez this term, the most recent occasion being the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, a game in which he opened the scoring.

"Substitutions are what the coach decides, I'm just there to help my team-mates," Benzema told AS.

"It's true I'm fed up of being taken off. I'm calm and will continue to work so I'm not always substituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons.

"It's true that the electronic board always shows the No.9. Ask Benitez why that is."

The Gunners were linked a move for Benzema all summer, but their efforts proved unsuccessful as ultimately the 27-year-old stayed on at Real.