Karim Benzema makes final transfer decision amid Arsenal and Chelsea interest
Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has been linked with making a move to the Premier League in January and has now made a final call over his future in Saudi Arabia
Karim Benzema has snubbed a late move to the Premier League in favour of staying in Saudi Arabia.
The former Real Madrid star was reportedly considering quitting AlIttihad just months after signing a megamoney threeyear deal. He was absent from team duties after an unsanctioned holiday during the Saudi Pro League midseason break.
Manchester United were linked, but quickly denied any interest in the Frenchman. Arsenal and Chelsea have remained among those potentially considering a swoop should Benzema move away from Saudi.
His former club Lyon were also touted as potential admirers and may have offered him a lifeline. However, a move now appears highly unlikely after his most recent decision.
According to The Athletic, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will remain with AlIttihad as Thursday’s transfer deadline approaches. The reigning Saudi champions get their domestic season back underway next weekend against AlTai, where Benzema could potentially be involved.
The striker had previously hit out at reports that he could leave his current club. Speaking to L’Equipe last week, he said: “It’s completely false! The French media don’t know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.”
Benzema, 36, joined the side from Real Madrid in the summer. He has gone on to score 12 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions and has a yearandahalf left to run on his current contract.
Would Karim Benzema have been a good signing for Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Speaking in November about why he decided to move to the Saudi Pro League, Benzema said: “With everything I have achieved with Real Madrid, it was the right time for me to try a new challenge.
“For a very long time, even before football, I always wanted to come here. Then the football project came in, it was a project just starting to burst in from everywhere, so on my side I really wanted to be part of the story. I really wanted to help Saudi football grow.”
He added: “On and off the pitch, I feel good. I’ll say it again, but it’s just how I feel; this country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here, so that makes me happy, and I try to return that love on the pitch.”
While Benzema seems content to stay in Saudi Arabia, the same cannot be said of some of the league’s other stars. Jordan Henderson has already left for Ajax, while Aymeric Laporte has suggested that players are not totally happy with their bigmoney moves.
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Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has been linked with making a move to the Premier League in January and has now made a final call over his future in Saudi Arabia
Karim Benzema has snubbed a late move to the Premier League in favour of staying in Saudi Arabia.
The former Real Madrid star was reportedly considering quitting AlIttihad just months after signing a megamoney threeyear deal. He was absent from team duties after an unsanctioned holiday during the Saudi Pro League midseason break.
Manchester United were linked, but quickly denied any interest in the Frenchman. Arsenal and Chelsea have remained among those potentially considering a swoop should Benzema move away from Saudi.
His former club Lyon were also touted as potential admirers and may have offered him a lifeline. However, a move now appears highly unlikely after his most recent decision.
According to The Athletic, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner will remain with AlIttihad as Thursday’s transfer deadline approaches. The reigning Saudi champions get their domestic season back underway next weekend against AlTai, where Benzema could potentially be involved.
The striker had previously hit out at reports that he could leave his current club. Speaking to L’Equipe last week, he said: “It’s completely false! The French media don’t know what to invent any more. The bigger the better.”
Benzema, 36, joined the side from Real Madrid in the summer. He has gone on to score 12 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions and has a yearandahalf left to run on his current contract.
Would Karim Benzema have been a good signing for Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Speaking in November about why he decided to move to the Saudi Pro League, Benzema said: “With everything I have achieved with Real Madrid, it was the right time for me to try a new challenge.
“For a very long time, even before football, I always wanted to come here. Then the football project came in, it was a project just starting to burst in from everywhere, so on my side I really wanted to be part of the story. I really wanted to help Saudi football grow.”
He added: “On and off the pitch, I feel good. I’ll say it again, but it’s just how I feel; this country welcomed me with open arms. I feel the love of the people here, so that makes me happy, and I try to return that love on the pitch.”
While Benzema seems content to stay in Saudi Arabia, the same cannot be said of some of the league’s other stars. Jordan Henderson has already left for Ajax, while Aymeric Laporte has suggested that players are not totally happy with their bigmoney moves.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
TNT Sports gives you access to games across the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and many more. You can also watch the biggest clashes in boxing, UFC, WWE and the get exclusive action from MLB all for one payment every month. You can watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
£29.99 a month and get access to discovery+ Premium at no extra cost
TNT Sports