11 months ago
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Karim Benzema is ready to put Manchester United and Chelsea on red alert as he mulls the possibility of ending his underwhelming spell in the Saudi Pro League.
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The former Real Madrid striker has scored 15 goals in 24 appearances for Al Ittihad since his high-profile transfer, but has struggle to settle in his new surroundings.
Benzema reportedly clashed with his now former manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who was sacked in November.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or is, unsurprisingly, attracting interest from a number of high-profile Premier League clubs who are in desperate need of signing a striker in what remains of the January transfer window.
United utilised the loan market 12 months ago when Erik ten Hag signed Wout Weghorst in an effort to find a temporary resolution to the void created by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
Despite the fresh investment offered up by new minority stake holder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United only possess limited funds again this month and a move for Benzema has been mooted.
Ten Hag’s side have managed a paltry 24 goals from 21 games so far this season and with Anthony Martial banished by his manager a new forward represents an ever increasing priority.
The picture is similar at Chelsea where, despite having spent over a £1billion on new players over the course of the last 18 months, Mauricio Pochettino has yet to be provided with a prolific striker.
Summer signing Christopher Nkunku had to wait until last month to make his Premier League debut and has already suffered a fitness setback, while Nicolas Jackson’s form has been erratic since his move from Villarreal.
The Senegal international is currently on AFCON duty, while the club’s only other regocnised striker, Armando Broja, will be allowed to leave if Chelsea can find a replacement and their £50m valuation is met.
Arsenal, too, are on the lookout for a new striker and a loan move for Benzema could appeal, given Ivan Toney is unlikely to leave Brentford until the summer despite performing an apparent U-turn on Wednesday.
For their part, Al Ittihad are unwilling to lose their prize asset, who has two-and-a-half years left to run on his current contract, this month.
However, Jordan Henderson winning his battle of wills with Al Ettifaq ahead of his impending move to Ajax is likely to convince Benzema there is a possibility of forcing a move back to a major European club in the next fortnight.
MORE : Emmanuel Petit warns Arsenal not to move for Karim Benzema with striker eager to return to Europe
MORE : Man Utd interested in signing Karim Benzema with Al-Ittihad star eager to return to Europe
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