Arsenal are ready to make a January transfer for former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Professional League after leaving Los Blancos as a free agent, but TeamTalk reports that the striker is not enjoying life in the Middle East and wants to return to Europe.
The 36-year-old striker has attracted interest from Chelsea, who are looking for an extra force to climb the Premier League, but they face no competition from Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, where manager Mikel Arteta wants a proven goalscorer to compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Benzema, who started his career at Lyon, is second in Real Madrid’s all-time scoring list, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo, with 354 goals for the Bernabeu club.
Arsenal are interested in Benzema, but only if they can sign him on loan.
The Gunners have already been linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen during this transfer window, but have been priced out of the market for both.
A similar group of strikers are being watched by Chelsea, who like Arsenal are having trouble finding a player to fit their budget this month.
Man Utd’s interest in Benzema
Although Manchester United were initially linked with a Benzema transfer, the Red Devils are not currently pursuing the French international.
Erik ten Hag is reportedly looking for an experienced striker to help Rasmus Hojlund, who has scored just two goals in the Premier League this season, but it seems they are willing to overlook Benzema as Arsenal and Chelsea are the frontrunners for the Real Madrid legend.
