Sources: Karim Benzema closes in on late-window transfer after Chelsea speculation
Karim Benzema is hoping to secure a move to another club in Saudi Arabia despite interest from Europe and speculation on a move to Chelsea, sources have told Football Insider.
The former Real Madrid ace is aiming to leave Al Ittihad purely for footballing reasons after a breakdown in relations with manager Marcello Gallardo.
There has been interest from Europe, including links to Chelsea, but sources say the player’s preference is to stay in Saudi and find a new club.
He is happy in Saudi despite talk he has not settled in the country and Saudi Pro League chiefs don’t want him leaving like Jordan Henderson did earlier in the January window.
The Frenchman has had a prolific season in the Middle East having scored 12 goals and provided five assists in all competitions.
He left Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 for Al Ittihad on a free transfer following the expiration of his deal in the Spanish capital and has helped guide them to eighth in the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema was one of a swathe of European stars to move to Saudi on huge wages and he is reportedly earning £3.31million per month.
Chelsea are yet to make a senior signing in the January transfer window, and as revealed by Football Insider (28 January), they will be forced to sell a big-name star to fund any business this month.
Chelsea sit ninth in the Premier League table after three consecutive victories, most recently against Fulham on 13 January.
They are next in action against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night (31 January).
In other news, Sources: Fulham in new move to sign Chelsea star as latest price tag revealed.
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