Karim Benzema set for 'tense' transfer meeting with Arsenal and Chelsea on alert
Karim Benzema is said to have scheduled talks with Saudi football officials as speculation of an Al-Ittihad exit remains rife amid links with Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Frenchman is reportedly unhappy in Saudi following his summer switch from Real Madrid and is thought to be eyeing a move back to Europe. One sticking point, though, could be discussions about wages.
Benzema is on an astronomical salary at Al-Ittihad, reported to be over £85m a year, and is unlikely to get such lofty figures anywhere in Europe mid-season as clubs battle Financial Fair Play. It’s therefore more likely that an initial loan back to Europe is sanctioned.
Arsenal are in need of a striker, despite Mikel Arteta’s coy stance over transfer targets. However, the Gunners would need to think carefully about a pursuit of Benzema given the Premier League’s strict Profit & Sustainability rules, whereby hefty wages could impact summer activity.
Meanwhile, Chelsea splashed a combined £82m on Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku over the summer but also still require a finisher, with the former yet to convince and the latter struggling with injury problems.
Todd Boehly has been able to stay within FFP regulations despite his mass turnover of players since his arrival, but the arrival of Benzema would test the wage budget limits. Benzema, now 36, may wish to move to a club with more chances of silverware this season, anyway.
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Nevertheless, Saudi Pro League bosses are said to be doing everything they can to prevent one of their star names from leaving, says journalist Fabrizio Romano. League officials are trying to convince Benzema
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