- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea may have received a boost in signing French forward Karim Benzema after the latest update on his training situation in Saudi Arabia.
HITC Football understands that Karim Benzema’s future hasn’t been resolved yet after talks between the 36-year-old and Al-Ittihad.
Benzema has now returned to training with the club, but head coach Marcelo Gallardo has told the Ballon d’Or winner to train away from the main group.
A resolution hasn’t been found between Benzema and sporting director Ramon Planes but HITC Football have been told that the Saudi Pro League are determined to keep Benzema given he’s one of their marquee signings and best-paid players.
Benzema future still not resolved in Saudi Arabia
HITC Football believes that the Pro League have been involved in talks between Benzema and the club and understands he may need to leave the club in January.
They’re looking at several potential options including loaning the ‘excellent’ forward to another Pro League side.
His intermediaries have offered him to several sides in Europe but his huge salary is proving to be an issue and he would have to sacrifice some of his wages to secure a move.
One club Benzema has been offered to is Chelsea and they may be encouraged by his new training situation in Saudi Arabia.
The club would take him on a short-term deal until the end of the season, however, another option has emerged as his most likely destination.
Benzema could head back to his first club Lyon and he would love to play for the struggling French side again.
Talks will continue this week between all parties.
Chelsea offered Benzema after being frozen out of training
While Karim Benzema might be 36, he’s still one of the most talented forwards in world football.
In 15 Saudi Pro League appearances this season, he has nine goals and five assists for Al-Ittihad.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Aleksandar Mitrovic currently top the scoring charts with 20 and 18 goals respectively, but Benzema has still done a very good job.
Just six months ago, Benzema told former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid training that he was making the move.
Talking about the forward, Ancelotti said: “I have coached one of the best players in football history, a complete forward, a very friendly, humble, and serious person.
“His goodbye, we cannot be happy, but we must respect his decision, he has earned the right to do what he wants.
“We all have to be grateful for what he has been capable of doing at this club, something legendary, unforgettable, and he will be in the history of this club forever.”
The Blues might be wise to listen to their old boss and bring in Benzema if he’s available, as he could add some much-needed experience to the youngest attack in the Premier League.
Chelsea trying to free up funds by selling academy talents
While the majority of the Premier League are tightening their purse strings this month, Chelsea are trying to position themselves to be able to spend more before the window closes.
HITC Football understands that Tottenham have not given up on signing Conor Gallagher and as an academy product, Chelsea would be able to invest most of that fee back into the transfer market if they wanted to.
Armando Broja is another player Chelsea would be happy to let go this month with plenty of Premier League clubs circling.
If Benzema’s training situation doesn’t improve in Saudi Arabia, both parties will want to find a solution and Chelsea could really benefit.
Given how many forwards have struggled at Stamford Bridge in the past, Benzema might finally be the player to break that curse.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
