Report: Arsenal could try to sign Karim Benzema on loan before January deadline

Arsenal have been linked with a loan move for Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, although a move for the striker this month appears unlikely.

Benzema departed Real Madrid just a year after he was crowned the world's best footballer following a scintillating 2021/22 campaign. His 2022/23 season was injury-hit and thus less inspiring, although very few expected him to depart for Saudi Arabia in the summer.

Benzema joined Al Ittihad to a mega contract ahead of the 2023/24 season, but murmurs of discontent have been feasted upon by the media. Several suggest that the Frenchman is already plotting a return to Europe, with others noting that the door has been shut in regards to a Real Madrid reunion.

Los Blancos have progressed beyond the 36-year-old.

Arsenal could try to sign Karim Benzema on loan before January deadline

Arsenal's attacking woes as of late has seen supporters clamour for a new striker in the January transfer window, but Mikel Arteta said after his side's defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup that such wises weren't "realistic".

The Gunners have had a very quiet window thus far, although things could change in the final week of the window.

According to teamTALK, Arsenal are considering a loan for Benzema as a means of solving their final third issues in the short term. Chelsea are also said to be interested.

On the surface, it's a move that makes sense. Acquiring Benzema, whom the club were linked with a hatful of times during Arsene Wenger's reign, would alleviate the pressure on the Gunners' ailing forwards for the rest of 2023/24 and still allow Arteta to secure a long-term option in the summer.

Brentford's Ivan Toney, who's set to return to action from his eight month suspension, is among those targeted by the club, with a summer move more likely.

However, signing Benzema on a loan deal is complicated given the astronomical salary he's earning in Saudi Arabia. Reports emerged back in the summer that the striker would earn over £200m per season at Al Ittihad. Arsenal wouldn't be able to cover even a portion of that figure for six months.

Thus, while the big name link will have a few excited, I'd recommend you not getting your hopes up for this one. Let's not endure more Benzema-infused disappointment, eh?

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