Parma defender Yohan Benalouane has insisted that he is "happy" at the Italian outfit despite interest from a number of clubs.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 26-year-old's services this summer, but the centre-back has quelled suggestions that he could leave.

"I am happy here and my priority has always been Parma, even though I am honoured by the proposals that came in," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"Real Madrid? That just means I worked well to earn their attention, but I am happy at Parma and am preparing to have a great season.

"Coach Roberto Donadoni put a lot of faith in me and thanks to that I was able to prove myself. Now it's up to me and I must work hard to follow his instructions."

Benalouane began his career at Saint-Etienne.