A round-up of the latest transfer gossip from around Europe as Karim Benzema puts Arsenal and Chelsea on red alert after making a decision on his future for Al-Ittihad.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal and Chelsea with Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino desperate to strengthen their frontlines. Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad in July. He has since scored 12 goals and five assists in 20 games.
Arsenal and Chelsea only rank seventh and eighth in the Premier League so far this term for goals scored. The Gunners and Blues have hit home 37 and 35 times respectively across 20 and 21 fixtures. Bukayo Saka (6) and Cole Palmer (9) are their top scorers so far this season.
HITC Football paper round-up
Al-Ittihad captain Karim Benzema has put Arsenal and Chelsea on alert as the striker feels a move to England is possible in January. The Evening Standard also adds that he is not happy with how his start in Saudi Arabia has gone. But Al-Ittihad are reluctant to grant any transfer.
Agents have informed FC Barcelona that Kalvin Phillips looks very favourably at a loan move from Manchester City, per Sport. But the Catalan club can only afford to sign the midfielder if the Citizens do not hold out for any loan fee and let the Blaugrana simply pay only his salary.
Barcelona also face competition for Phillips’ loan transfer from Crystal Palace and West Ham United, per the Evening Standard. The 28-year-old is keen to leave Etihad Stadium to secure regular game time in January. West Ham are also in a good place to win the race for Phillips.
Albania striker Armando Broja is willing to reject a transfer to Fulham, West Ham or Wolves in January. The Mirror reports that the 22-year-old is determined to prove that he is still worth Chelsea keeping. Stamford Bridge chiefs are willing to sell the striker for bids of up to £50m.
MLS trio Dallas, FC Cincinnati and Los Angeles FC are now showing an interest in a transfer for Nottingham Forest striker Divock Origi, reports Sky Sports. The Belgian is on loan to the Reds from AC Milan until June. But he has not played since Nuno Espirito Santo’s first game.
Scouts for Fulham watched AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer as Algeria and Angola drew 1-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations this week. The Mirror (18/1, 10:02) notes that the Cottagers are eying Bennacer as an heir for Joao Palhinha as he wants to return to the Premier League.
Dundee United are closing in on a transfer for Everton centre-back Ryan Astley, according to Sky Sports. The 22-year-old is finalising an agreement with the Scottish Championship side on personal terms. Everton will not receive any upfront fee but will acquire a sell-on clause.
Motherwell are also closing in on the transfer of Andy Halliday from Hearts, per Sky Sports. The 32-year-old midfielder is set to move clubs now instead of becoming a free agent in the summer. He has only featured in three Premiership matches so far this term for 28 minutes.
Ipswich Town are in talks with Sheffield Wednesday over a transfer for Marvin Johnson, the Daily Mail reports. The Tractor Boys are keen to sign the experienced winger to improve the club’s push for promotion. But the Owls rejected an initial £1m bid as it was deemed cheap.
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