Karim Benzema has been linked with a move to Chelsea, with recent reports suggesting he is ready to call time on his career in Saudi Arabia after just six months at Al-Ittihad. The 36-year-old joined Al-Ittihad in July after quitting Real Madrid and has gone on to score 12 goals in 20 games for the club.
Chelsea appear to be the frontrunners to land Benzema if the player does move on, with the Blues reportedly ready to make their move after holding internal talks about the veteran. And Express Sport takes a look at all the latest updates…
Chelsea interest
The Guardian have reported that Chelsea are showing an interest in Benzema, while Lyon owner John Textor is hoping to structure a deal to sign the Real icon. Much of the Lyon deal will rely on how the French club compensate his current team for the player.
Arsenal snub
Arsenal are in desperate need of a proven goalscorer after coming up short in the final third in recent weeks. The Gunners were guilty of missing a hatful of chances during their Premier League defeat to West Ham last month and have also lacked a clinical edge in other matches.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal were offered the chance to bring in Benzema earlier this month. But the north London giants have snubbed the signing as they are instead focusing their efforts on bringing in a versatile defender before the winter transfer window slams shut at the start of February.
Man Utd refuse talks
Manchester United refused to even enter talks over a move for Benzema, according to The Sun. The Frenchman earns a whopping £86million a year in Saudi Arabia and the report claims the Red Devils view the sums involved in bringing Benzema to the Premier League as “exorbitant”.
Benzema has been touted around as he searches for a way out of Al-Ittihad. But United are keeping a close eye on their wage bill and budget to ensure they don’t fall foul of Financial Fair Play regulations and will not go after the blockbuster star, even though first-choice centre forward Rasmus Hojlund has struggled to kick-start his career in the Premier League.
Benzema statement
Benzema left Al-Ittihad chiefs raging after reporting back to training 17 days late after a winter break, according to The Sun. And a source told the publication the Saudi giants couldn’t reach him for 10 days and would be discussing his future in a board meeting.
But the 97-time capped France international has spoken out to deny claims he is looking to sever ties with his current employers. “It’s completely false,” the striker told L’Equipe. “The French media don’t know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.”