As several European footballers are rumoured to leave Saudi Arabia soon, the January transfer window is expected to see some shocking moves. The return of those players will help certain clubs like Arsenal, who are looking for cheap options to bolster their squad mid-season. Following a series of poor performances from the forwards, the Gunners are keen to land a goal-poaching striker this winter. While Brentford’s Ivan Toney has been the top target, reports have emerged claiming that Arsenal may shift their focus to Karim Benzema, a former Ballon d’Or winner who has been linked with a move to the London-based club for over 11 years.
Arsenal have kept their track on Toney for quite some time now. The English forward has already spent two seasons in the Premier League. Toney, however, missed the first half of the ongoing season as he was suspended by the FA due to gambling offences. While Arsenal are reportedly desperate to secure the signing of Toney, the deal is unlikely to be completed this winter, considering the footballer’s hefty transfer fee and the club’s current financial status.
If Arsenal actually fail to snap up Toney by the transfer deadline, Benzema will no doubt be a good replacement, according to a report by Football.London. Benzema was one of the big names, who shifted their base to Saudi Arabia after his contract with Real Madrid expired last summer. Since joining Al-Ittihad, the French international has made 15 appearances in the domestic league, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists.
According to reports from Saudi Arabia, Benzema is currently not quite happy with Al-Ittihad, who are seventh in the Saudi Pro League table with 28 points in 18 games. After his team endured a humiliating 5-2 defeat at the hands of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the last game, Benzema received severe backlash from the fans and was left with no choice but to close his social media accounts.
Saudi media Al-Riyadiya recently reported that Benzema did not turn up in two consecutive practice sessions last week. The outlet further claimed that the Frenchman had left Jeddah without informing the club. It remains in doubt if Benzema will return to the city ahead of his team’s upcoming league game against Al-Tai, scheduled for February 7.
Arsenal may take advantage of the turbulent situation to secure the signing of Benzema this January. They may face competition from fellow Premier League side Manchester United. Like Mikel Arteta, United boss Erik Ten Hag wants to strengthen his forward line, with former French footballer and club legend Louis Saha suggesting the name of Benzema. The 36-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United back in 2009 when Ronaldo left the club to join Real Madrid.
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