Arsenal rival Chelsea in ‘BLOCKBUSTER’ Benzema deal

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 18 Jan 2024 13:53 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are ready to make a January transfer move for former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to a report.

The winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2022, Benzema is currently playing with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League after leaving Los Blancos as a free agent, yet TeamTalk reports that the forward is not enjoying life in the Middle East and wants to return to Europe.

Chelsea have shown interest in the 36-year-old striker as they seek additional firepower to help shoot them up the Premier League standings, but not the Stamford Bridge side face competition from Arsenal, where manager Mikel Arteta wants a proven goal scorer to compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in attack.

They don’t come much more proven than Benzema, who started his career with Lyon and stands second on Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer charts behind only Cristiano Ronaldo after netting 354 times for the Bernabeu side.

Arsenal are interested in the possibility of Benzema, but only if they are able to sign him on a “blockbuster” loan deal.

The Gunners have previously been linked to the likes of Ivan Toney of Brentford and Victor Osimhen of Napoli during this transfer period but have been priced out of the market for both.

Chelsea are also following a similar group of strikers and, like Arsenal, are having difficulty finding a player that might fit their budget for this month.

Man Utd’s interest in Benzema

Although Manchester United were initially linked with a move for Benzema, the Red Devils are not currently pursuing a move for the France international forward.

Erik ten Hag’s side are thought to be seeking an experienced striker to help nurture Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored just two Premier League goals this season, but it appears that they are willing to overlook Benzema, with Arsenal and Chelsea instead leading the way for the Real Madrid legend.