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Chelsea have turned down the chance to sign former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema before the end of the January transfer window, according to reports.
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Benzema is pushing to leave Al-Ittihad less than a year after completing his lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 36-year-old has been offered to several clubs in the Premier League and across Europe, with both Arsenal and Manchester United approached over a potential deal.
Chelsea have also been offered the opportunity to add Benzema to their squad before the end of the January window but according to The Athletic, the club’s plan is to ‘prioritise emerging elite talent’.
The report adds that Conor Gallagher’s future is still uncertain as Chelsea could remain open to selling the midfielder before the window closes at 11pm this Thursday.
It’s also claimed that Chelsea have held discussions over a possible deal for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Chelsea were linked with a move for the 20-year-old earlier this month but Villa will be looking to make a significant profit on the player they signed in an £18 million deal from MLS side Chicago Fire last summer.
Another complication for Chelsea is that Duran is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Reports elsewhere over the weekend suggested that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has agreed to join Chelsea at the end of the season.
Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis announced last week that the 25-year-old will leave the Serie A champions this summer.
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