10 months ago
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Karim Benzema has been linked with blockbuster moves to Arsenal, Chelsea and Lyon, but he is set to stay in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad at least until the end of the season.
The 36-year-old only moved to the Saudi Pro League from Real Madrid last summer but is already thought to be looking for a move back to Europe.
It has not been entirely bad on the pitch for the Frenchman, scoring 15 goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, but he is frustrating his employers and fans.
The veteran forward did not report for team duties over the mid-season break as he went on holiday without permission and then returned late when the squad returned.
The Athletic report that fans are not happy with his performances on the field, despite a decent goal return, but nonetheless he is set to stay with Al Ittihad during this transfer window.
Big sides in the Premier League were linked with Benzema, with Arsenal and Chelsea looking for a new striker, while Manchester United were also touted as a possible destination if he were to leave Saudi Arabia.
His former side Lyon were also reportedly interested in offering him a route back to a major European league, but it will not happen before the January window closes.
Benzema himself has played down rumours that he wants to leave Al Ittihad just six months into his three-year contract.
As per L’Equipe the France international said: ‘It’s completely false! The French media don’t know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.’
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