“His mind is not with them anymore” – ‘World-class’ striker has now asked to leave his club amid Chelsea interest
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As the transfer window deadline looms, Chelsea finds themselves in a promising position to secure the services of a truly elite centre-forward. Reports from ESPN indicate that the Blues are expressing interest in Karim Benzema, the seasoned striker who departed Real Madrid last summer and currently plies his trade with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. According to a report from AFP, the 36-year-old has formally requested to leave Al-Ittihad on a temporary basis, opening a potential window of opportunity for Chelsea.
The prospect of a short-term deal with Benzema holds strategic appeal for Chelsea. Bringing in the experienced striker for the remainder of the season could serve as a valuable interim solution before pursuing a more long-term option, such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Despite being in Saudi Arabia, Benzema has displayed commendable form, netting nine goals in 15 league appearances this season. However, it’s evident that the veteran striker is not content with his current situation. If Benzema is indeed pushing for an exit from Al-Ittihad, Chelsea must capitalize on this opportunity to bolster their attacking prowess.
Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has lauded Benzema as “world-class,” emphasizing that even at 36, the striker maintains a level of excellence that transcends age. While the Saudi Pro League may not boast the strongest football division, Benzema’s remarkable tally of over 30 goals in the previous season attests to his enduring goal-scoring prowess.
With Chelsea currently facing challenges in the Premier League, residing in the ninth position, Champions League qualification appears to be a distant goal. However, Europa League qualification remains a viable target. In this context, the addition of a forward of Benzema’s caliber could potentially tip the scales in Chelsea’s favor, influencing their European aspirations.
The potential acquisition of Benzema is not without its hurdles. Fabrizio Romano reports that Saudi Pro League authorities are keen on retaining the striker within their division. Despite these challenges, Chelsea has little to lose in pursuing Benzema before the transfer market’s closure. The experienced forward could provide the necessary firepower to elevate Chelsea’s offensive capabilities, making him a valuable asset in their quest for success on both domestic and European fronts.
