Reports indicate that Chelsea declined the opportunity to acquire Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid striker, before the conclusion of the January transfer window.
Benzema is expressing a desire to depart Al-Ittihad, merely a year after his significant move to the Saudi Pro League.
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Various clubs in the Premier League and Europe, including Arsenal and Manchester United, have been approached regarding a possible deal for the 36-year-old.
The chance to include Benzema in their squad has been presented to Chelsea before the January window’s closure.
However, The Athletic reports that the club’s focus is on prioritizing emerging elite talent.
The uncertainty looms over Conor Gallagher’s future, as Chelsea might be open to selling the midfielder before the window shuts this Thursday. Additionally, discussions have taken place regarding a potential deal for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Earlier this month, Chelsea was associated with a potential move for the 20-year-old, but Villa aims to secure a substantial profit on the player they acquired in an £18 million deal from MLS side Chicago Fire last summer.
Adding to Chelsea’s challenges, Duran is presently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, reports circulating over the weekend indicate that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has allegedly agreed to join Chelsea at the conclusion of the season.
Last week, Napoli’s owner, Aurelio de Laurentiis, declared that the 25-year-old will depart from the Serie A champions this upcoming summer.
