Karim Benzema, Arsenal, Chelsea

Karim Benzema set to stay at Al-Ittihad amidst links to Arsenal and Chelsea

Aditya Singh

According to French outlet L’Equipe, Karim Benzema will stay at Al-Ittihad this season despite some reports linking him to a potential move to Arsenal or Chelsea.

Benzema left Real Madrid last summer to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. He has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 20 games across competitions for the club.

However, some recent reports claimed that he had a falling out at Al-Ittihad and hasn’t trained for over two weeks. This saw him being linked for a loan move to Arsenal or Chelsea this January.

Both sides need a proper striker and signing an experienced goalscorer like Benzema could massively help them.

Arsenal have struggled to finish off their chances this season, with strikers Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah scoring just eight Premier League goals between them. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s main strikers Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja have also netted just eight league goals between them.

Also Read: Tottenham close to signing Chelsea target Antonio Nusa

Hence, both London clubs have been linked with various strikers in recent times. However, due to financial constraints, a permanent move is difficult in January so they have been linked with a loan move for Benzema.

However, even transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Al-Ittihad don’t want to let Benzema go this January. He told Caught Offside:

“From what I’m hearing from the club side, Al-Ittihad have no intention to give any green light for Benzema to leave in January. Let’s see what the situation is like in the next days and see what happens with Benzema.

“At the moment, guys, I’m not aware of any advanced deal or anything concrete with an English club – including with Arsenal, despite various rumours.”

Benzema has been one of the best strikers in the world over the years, spending around 14 years at Real Madrid. He is Los Blancos’ second all-time top scorer with 354 goals and 165 assists in 648 games.

The Frenchman has won five UEFA Champions League titles and also one Ballon d’Or, among other team and individual honors.