PREMIER LEAGUE
Chelsea to offer Karim Benzema a lifeline?
The London side are looking for additional strikers and Pochettino may look to bring the Frenchman back to Europe with Benzema reportedly unhappy in Jeddah.
An outlet may be emerging to bring an end to Karim Benzema’s time in Saudi Arabia as the UK based Telegraph report that the French striker is being linked with Chelsea along with Al Ahli’s Roberto Firmino.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are looking for additional forwards given Nkunku’s physical problems and Nico Jackson’s departure to the African Cup with Senegal and the club are considering the veteran French striker as a possible option.
The former Ballon d’Or winner has failed to report back on time in Jeddah and will miss Al Ittihad’s mini preseason in Dubai as the Saudi Pro League is temporarily on hold with the AFC Asia Cup ongoing.
Chelsea had their sights set on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen with the financial aspect of the deal out of the Stamford Bridge club’s reach and the alternative target Iván Toney, seems set to continue at Brentford.
As things stand, the most logical move for Chelsea right now is to find a forward on loan for the remainder of the season with two candidates being considered and both Saudi Pro League players in Firmino and Benzema. The Brazilian has previous experience in playing on Premier League and is looking for an exit from Al Ahli.
Across town, Benzema too appears anxious to sever ties with Al Ittihad as he remains trapped in Mauritius with a tropical storm impacting in travel in and out of the Chagos Archipelago.