ESPN pundit states whether Karim Benzema should secure a transfer to Chelsea or Arsenal

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Shaka Hislop has told Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema to secure a transfer to Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea instead of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Sources have told HITC Football that Chelsea have looked towards the Saudi Pro League for short-term attacking options this month.

With the club’s young stars lacking that consistency and Christopher Nkunku suffering another injury setback, then it has put a damper on proceedings for the London club.

Across the other side of London, whilst trying to chase the Premier League title, Arsenal have faltered over the festive period and a lack of goals has been the main talking point.

When the name of Karim Benzema was put on the table, ex-goalkeeper Shaka Hislop thinks a move to the Emirates would ‘upset’ the club’s identity and wage structure, as he told ESPN.

Therefore, he thinks the Al-Ittihad hitman is better off securing a short-term move to Stamford Bridge. 

The 36-year-old left Real Madrid last summer and only recently was crowned Ballon d’Or winner in 2022 – ex-Premier League striker Darren Bent called him ‘incredible’ for the career he has had.

Added to his experience, how can you turn away a player like Karim Benzema?

Karim Benzema – Chelsea or Arsenal

“I think Chelsea should say absolutely yes,” said Hislop. “I mean Arsenal are building a more long-term project with the young players.

“Somebody like Karim Benzema coming in and upsetting, both the identity of the club and the wage structure. I think it’s harder for them to recover from.

“Given where Chelsea are and given who Chelsea have shown themselves to be, I think Karim Benzema coming in, giving a bit of experience and giving a bit of quality in that striker position, is something Chelsea desperately need.

“Just in terms of an easy fit and a natural fit. Benzema to Chelsea makes a whole lot of sense to me.”

Karim Benzema is better off at Arsenal

Let’s be honest, if you are going to bring in a player like Benzema, especially with the wages he is on, then you will want to offer him the top prize.

The fact of the matter is Arsenal are going for the title and are still in the Champions League.

Whereas Chelsea will do well to win a trophy this season and finish in the top six.

A player like Benzema playing up front for Arsenal, alongside their young stars and taking the pressure off them, might just be the final ingredient needed for them to win the title.