Karim Benzema continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea before the transfer deadline.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid last summer to move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad. Since then, Benzema has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances with the club seventh in the league standings.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Benzema may want to leave Al-Ittihad just a few months after his arrival. Such speculation has led to rumours that the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal could sign the veteran striker before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.
According to L’Equipe, discussions are being held in Saudi Arabia regarding Benzema’s future. It has been claimed that both Chelsea and United have attempted to “test the waters” by entering tentative discussions over a move for Benzema this month.
However, the report states that the discussions are focused on trying to find a new club in Saudi Arabia, also in Riyadh, for Benzema to join. It has been claimed that officials from the Saudi Pro League are keen to avoid Benzema returning to Europe “at all costs”.
The transfer deadline for the Saudi Pro League is today (Tuesday) at 9pm UK time (midnight local time). Should the deadline pass and Benzema remains at Al-Ittihad, then speculation is only likely to ramp up over whether he could move to the Premier League, with a transfer to another Saudi Pro League club out of the question.
Chelsea have been linked with several strikers during the January transfer window, including Benzema. Napoli star Victor Osimhen and Lille forward Jonathan David have all been credited as potential targets for Mauricio Pochettino and Co.
The Blues currently have Armando Broja and Christopher Nkunku who can play as a striker for the club. Nicolas Jackson is currently on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations but is expected to return within the next couple of days after his country were knocked out of the tournament in the last-16 stage by Ivory Coast.
