Chelsea are reportedly planning a summer move for Karim Benzema, who looks to be on his way out of Real Madrid when the transfer window reopens.
According to Spanish publication Don Balon, Chelsea are looking to reinforce their attack in the summer and are eyeing a move for another Real Madrid striker, this time the player being Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has been linked with a summer exit from Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid’s over-reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo’s form came back to bite them in the early stages of the 2017-18 campaign. Benzema has been made out to be the culprit and perhaps, rightly so, with the Frenchman unable to cover for the dip in Ronaldo’s form.
Real Madrid are on song again, with Ronaldo returning to form. But, Florentino Perez has decided it is time to replenish the frontline, with Gareth Bale and Benzema both likely to be shown the door in the summer. Benzema seems to have a destination available to him in Chelsea, according to the report.
Chelsea invested heavily to bring in Alvaro Morata after their failure to land Romelu Lukaku. The Spaniard seemed like an instant hit, but his form has since petered out a bit, with the player now jostling to be the first-choice with January arrival Olivier Giroud.
There are reports that Alvaro Morata could be looking for a way out in the summer. Even if he does end up staying, Chelsea would need to reinforce the attack and a move for Benzema does make sense. The 30-year-old has a proven track record in European football.
Also, after a troublesome couple of years at Real Madrid, where he has often been ridiculed by his own fans, Benzema would love a change of scenery. The Frenchman would also be fired up to prove that he is still the world-class forward he was once recognised as.
Despite his woeful goals tally, Benzema’s link-up play is second to none and his ability to set up his teammates could be an asset at Chelsea – the 30-year-old has 10 assists in the league alone this season so far.
At Chelsea, a striker similar to the mould of Benzema is needed, who can do the job of a Diego Costa – ruthless in attack – while also being able to drop deep and link up with his teammates when needed.
Arsenal were one of the favourites for Benzema at various junctures. But, the Gunners now have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and are unlikely to move for the Real Madrid striker, giving Chelsea a potential clear run-in. This looks like a deal that should be under wraps, if both Chelsea and Real Madrid agree to a fee.
