Lyon certain of Benzema stay
06 Mar 2008 - 17:22:02
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is confident that young stars Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa will still be at the club next season.
Twenty-year-old forward Benzema is a reported target for Manchester United and several other of Europe's major clubs, while winger Ben Arfa is also attracting interest from around the continent.
However, Aulas is certain that both players will still be at the Stade Gerland next season.
He said: "Benzema is going to stay, he has confirmed that to me himself.
"We are going to keep Benzema next year so we can continue to progress.
"With Karim and also Hatem Ben Arfa, there is a lot of youth in our team. It all seems very promising for us."
Benzema, who scored against the Red Devils in their recent Champions League tie, added: "I want to stay with Lyon next year.
"There are still a lot of things to do. I want to win titles with Lyon."
Benzema, who is already a full international for France, has scored 29 goals in 78 appearances for Lyon to date.
Ben Arfa, 20, has won three caps for France to date and has netted nine times in 69 outings for champions Lyon.
