Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema in this winter transfer window.
The Frenchman, 36, opted to make the move to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, signing a lucrative three-year deal with Al-Ittihad. However, he is understood to be unhappy at the Saudi Arabian club and already considering his future after six months.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal have been alerted to the possibility of Karim Benzema leaving Al-Ittihad this month.
Benzema has netted 15 goals in 24 appearances for Al-Ittihad but is not happy with his how his time in the Middle East has been going. Despite having two more years on his contract, the French striker is open to swapping the Saudi Pro League for the Premier League.
However, Al-Ittihad are reluctant to let the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner leave him during this transfer window, either on loan or on a permanent deal, the report adds.
Karim Benzema to Arsenal—Should the Gunners make a move?
Arsenal are keen to bolster their attacking ranks in the January transfer window, as the current campaign has seen Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz struggle to make a significant impact. Mikel Arteta is determined to do some business, particularly given the problems faced by Jesus and Nketiah in front of goal.
The Gunners are unlikely to be able to secure their primary target, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, this month despite his U-turn earlier this week. Following this development, it appears Arteta will have to look elsewhere if he is to bring in attacking reinforcements this month.
Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema has been linked with a move to Arsenal of late. The Frenchman’s prowess on the field is undeniable, and even at the ripe age of 36, his hunger for scoring goals hasn’t reduced. He has netted 15 goals in 24 appearances for Al-Ittihad, quickly adapting to the demands of the Saudi Pro League.
Benzema would instantly improve Arsenal’s attack, adding goals and experience to the team whilst being someone the likes of Jesus and Nketiah could learn from. The ex-Real Madrid star may not be the goalscoring force he once was but he still has enough to provide the Gunners with a consistent source of goals in the short run.
However, the stumbling block would appear to be the 36-year-old’s salary expectations, considering that he’s currently on a lucrative £88m per year. Arsenal must continue to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, so they may need to offload a few fringe players before signing players this month.
All in all, if the North London side cannot afford to spend big in January, then an approach to Benzema on loan seems at least worth a conversation.
