Karim Benzema to Arsenal latest: Real Madrid striker still with squad in Shanghai - cryptic picture believed to be old

Snap on plane sent Gunners' fans in meltdown yesterday

Karim Benzema sent Arsenal supporters into a frenzy yesterday by posting a picture of himself flying on a private jet with the caption: "Leave the past to the past. #directionfuture", but it has now been reported that the picture is old, and he is still with Real Madrid on their pre-season tour in Shanghai...not on his way to London.

Real take on AC Milan in Shanghai on Thursday, and Benzema is expected to be part of that squad.

Rafa Benitez left Benzema out of Real's 3-0 win over Inter on Monday - choosing to play Jese Rodriguez instead.

Arsene Wenger is reportedly weighing up a £40.5m offer to bring the France international to north London.

The Gunners have brought in just one new addition this summer, Petr Cech from Chelsea for £11m.

That Benzema picture:

The 27-year-old has scored 133 goals in 281 appearances for Real since his move from Lyon in 2009.

Benzema, did follow someone on Instagram called 'Wengerland' though, so all hope is not lost.