Lyon coach: Benzema could leave if money is right

Lyon coach Claude Puel says Karim Benzema could leave if a big offer is made and the France striker wants to move.

The 21-year-old Benzema is among Europe's most highly rated young players, with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal being linked with him.

"He's an exceptional player, but we also know the finances of a club. We will evaluate the situation when he resumes training on July 2," Lyon coach Claude Puel said Tuesday. "They say you can't hold back a player against his will but, faced with a huge transfer and the wishes of a player to leave, you have to consider everything."

Lyon would likely want about euro35 million ($49 million) for Benzema, who shot to fame when he scored a brilliant individual goal against Man United in the Champions League two seasons ago.

He has since broken into the French team, scoring six goals in 24 games. Puel hopes Benzema will stay for at least one more season, but accepts the a big offer could precipitate a quick move.

"He has said he wants to stay with us, a year ahead of the World Cup," Puel said. "If he has any wishes to leave, we will discuss this with him ... if there are any concrete offers, which is not the case for the time being."

Lyon has been linked with several strikers, including FC Porto's Lisandro Lopez and Toulouse's Andre-Pierre Gignac _ the French league's top scorer last season with 24 goals _ fueling speculation they could replace Benzema.

"It would be out of the question to lose him if one or two players of his caliber were not coming in," Puel said.