Karim Benzema has reportedly submitted a formal request to leave Al-Ittihad before the end of the month. Chelsea are said to be interested in exploring a move for the Frenchman, who has rejected the chance to join a Saudi Pro League rival on loan.
Benzema has scored nine goals in 15 league games since drawing a line under his glittering 14-year spell at Real Madrid. The 36-year-old signed a mega-money contract to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in the Middle East last June.
But reports of discontent are growing, and AFP now claim that Benzema has asked to leave Al-Ittihad ‘temporarily’. The striker is believed to be struggling with the ‘pressure’ of being one of the leading faces in Saudi football and a move back to Europe could be on the cards.
Saudi Pro League bosses are desperate to keep hold of Benzema, but the former Los Blancos ace is understood to have rejected the chance to try bedding in at one of Al-Ittihad’s rivals.
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