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January 28, 2024

Karim Benzema’s Potential Move Could Interest Chelsea Owners – Saudi Pro League

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly may find Karim Benzema an appealing target as the transfer window closes. However, journalist Paul Brown has expressed to GIVEMESPORT that spending heavily on the Al-Ittihad star might be “out of character” for the club. Since Boehly’s £4.25 billion takeover in May 2022, which ended Roman Abramovich’s successful tenure, Chelsea has not hesitated to invest significant amounts in new players. 

Yet, manager Mauricio Pochettino is still on the lookout for his first signing of 2024. Having already spent over £1 billion in less than two years, Chelsea is eager to add reinforcements before the February 1 deadline, aiming to improve their position in the Premier League and pursue success in cup competitions.

Chelsea Interested in Benzema Amid Al-Ittihad Departure Rumors

Chelsea is among several Premier League clubs reportedly interested in Karim Benzema, as ESPN reveals the striker’s desire to leave Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions of the Saudi Pro League, in the coming days. However, reaching an agreement could prove challenging for the Blues. Al-Ittihad is reluctant to part with their prized asset, especially given Benzema’s impressive record of 354 goals in 648 games for Real Madrid.

Benzema is believed to have requested Al-Ittihad to facilitate a loan move away from King Abdullah Sports City. Although he received offers from other Saudi Arabian clubs, Al-Ittihad is eager to retain him, recognizing that losing his talent would negatively impact the league’s ability to attract high-profile players.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has indicated that if Benzema wants to make Stamford Bridge his next destination, he will likely need to accept a significant pay cut. He earns a staggering £1.6 million per week on his three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, a figure Chelsea cannot match without breaching Premier League spending regulations.

While Manchester United has turned down the opportunity to sign the 36-year-old, providing Chelsea a potential edge, Ligue 1 club Lyon remains hopeful of arranging a deal to bring their former star back to familiar surroundings.

Benzema would make an intriguing addition to Pochettino’s team, Paul Brown.

Brown has refused to completely rule out the idea that Chelsea will approach Benzema about a trade. Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will have been drawn to Benzema’s trophy-filled career, and they will know that his arrival at Stamford Bridge would cause a stir in the Premier League.

However, the esteemed writer feels that the West Londoners would be going against their philosophy if they made a move for the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner since they have recently focused their transfer windows on bringing in young players rather than household names who are getting close to retirement.

“It is the kind of deal that you could see being attractive to Chelsea’s owners. He would certainly be the kind of high-profile name that would make a bit of a splash.

“I think he would be an interesting signing for Chelsea, but it would be a little out of character in that they have spent a lot of time restocking the cupboard with hungry young talent that they think is going to appreciate in value over the years. That’s certainly not Benzema.”

Chelsea Considering Bid for Jhon Duran

As reported by the Telegraph, Chelsea is contemplating a bid for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran ahead of the February 1 transfer deadline. The club’s interest has intensified as it seeks to bolster its attacking options.

Duran, a Colombian international, has made only seven starts across all competitions this season. This has caught the attention of Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is considering an approach for the young forward.

Aston Villa has made it clear that they will only consider Duran’s departure if they receive a suitable offer, having previously rejected a loan bid from West Ham United that included an option to buy. However, Chelsea may have received a boost, as Sunday People chief sports writer Neil Moxley indicated that the 20-year-old is growing frustrated with his limited playing time at Villa Park. Head coach Unai Emery is unable to make new signings until some players are offloaded.

With Duran in the final six months of his £30,000-per-week contract, Chelsea can act quickly. The striker can enter discussions and sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs, making this an opportune moment for Chelsea to secure his services.

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