Five clubs Karim Benzema can join if he leaves Al Ittihad amid contract dispute

The Frenchman’s situation with his current club has turned bleak.

At the age of 38, Karim Benzema’s contract with Al Ittihad expires in June, and he is eager to extend his stay. But negotiations for a new contract soured, and Benzema felt mistreated.

Karim Benzema missed the recent league match for Al Ittihad. The former Real Madrid forward is now weighing all of his options, including going back to Europe, and we take a look at which club he could join.

Arsenal

Karim Benzema still has a few years left to play at the top level, and if he decides to leave Al-Ittihad, then Arsenal could be a viable option for the French striker. Moreover, Gunner would benefit a lot from the former Real Madrid star, given the European pedigree the forward holds.

On top of that, their summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres, has failed to impress and has remained inconsistent so far in the season, while Benzema’s addition will provide the Sweden international experience, as well as give the Gunners an out-and-out centre-forward.

Chelsea

Chelsea will be another option for the Frenchman as the Blues’ no.9 woes have continued, and their new signings have failed to impress so far this season. However, Karim Benzema’s addition brings much-needed experience in front of the net.

Benzema’s enormous salary and any demands from Al-Ittihad could be a barrier despite the Premier League clubs’ interest. Because of Benzema’s enormous salary, Chelsea might decide not to pursue him.

Lyon

Karim Benzema, 38, was asked in an interview with L’Équipe previously if he would consider joining Olympique Lyonnais after his contract with Al-Ittihad expires.

The French international forward’s contract with the Saudi Pro League team is scheduled to expire at the end of the current campaign, and since no new deal has been reached, it appears that he will depart on a free transfer.

Asked about the potential of him returning to the Rhône club, the Al-Ittihad striker said, “It’s tricky to say, ‘I want to go back there,’ because I left such a great impression. You never know what might happen. It’s not a fear of returning. It’s just that sometimes, it’s better to leave things as they are.” The Frenchman added, “Helping the club, in another capacity perhaps… but playing, I don’t know.”

Manchester United

Manchester United will do well with the services of Karim Benzema as the Red Devils have persistent problems in front of the goal, but the addition of the Frenchman could solve the issue in the short term.

While having signed Benjamin as their long-term centre forward during the summer, it had been suggested earlier in the transfer window that United were eager to add another attacker to their roster. Numerous names had been mentioned. However, Karim Benzema is the most recent striker to be mentioned as the January transfer window draws to a close.

Real Madrid

The French striker is reportedly embroiled in a dispute with the club’s owners over a failed contract extension, with only six months remaining on his current contract. Having scored an incredible 354 goals for Real Madrid across all competitions, Benzema is still regarded as one of the greatest centre-forwards of the contemporary age.

However, Fichajes claims that Karim Benzema now wishes to rejoin his old team following a well-publicised altercation with Al-Ittihad’s owners.

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