The 36-year-old striker, who signed a three-year deal worth £258million, has featured 15 times for the Saudi outfit this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. Despite his impressive start to life in the Middle East, Benzema faces an increasingly uncertain future.
According to the MailOnline, he's been left out of Al-Ittihad's mid-season training camp in Dubai after repeatedly failing to report for duty. However, the France international's camp have insisted that he is stuck in Mauritius, where he was on holiday, due to a tropical storm.
It remains to be seen whether Benzema will test himself in the English top-flight before hanging up his boots, but speculation is certainly building a head of steam. So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at everything you need to know about the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner's potential move to Chelsea in the January transfer window.
Chelsea interest
According to The Telegraph, the Blues could 'consider the possibility' of signing Roberto Firmino or Karim Benzema this month. The report states that Chelsea are inclined to find a short-term solution to their woes in front of goal rather than forking out millions like last January.
Pochettino stance
Speaking to reporters following Chelsea's 1-0 win over Fulham, Pochettino was asked whether he wants to sign a new striker this month. The Blues boss replied: "I never said we need a centre-forward. After that, it creates a problem with my people.
"I didn't say that yesterday that we need. I said we are working like other clubs. Trying to assess and see the market and all of the situations that can appear. Most important is the club is ready to act in one or another direction. I never said we need to add another player."
Ex-United star sends message
Manchester United have been urged to sign Benzema this month, with Erik ten Hag desperate to further bolster his frontline. Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Louis Saha claimed that it would be a 'dream' transfer for his fellow countryman.
"Benzema would change United's attack, and that's exactly what they need now," Saha said. "He would definitely score goals and also ensure better team play. For now it is just a dream, but Karim is still very professional."
Ronaldo replacement
When Cristiano Ronaldo swapped Old Trafford for the Santiago Bernabeu in 2009, Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Benzema as the Portuguese star's replacement. As quoted by the Mirror, the former Red Devils manager said: "We tried to spend [the Ronaldo money] on Karim Benzema as, at 21, I felt that there would be an improvement there. He is tough, good physique, a good goal scoring record, so it was worth going a wee bit extra for him because of his age."
Arsenal snub
In an interview with the Mirror in October 2015, Benzema was asked if he would ever consider leaving Real Madrid to join Arsenal. The Frenchman replied: "I laugh about it with my brother and my friends. We wait for the media to come out with these rumours.
"In my opinion, I think that Real and Barca are the pinnacle in football. Why would I leave? I'm a starter for the best club in the world. I am happy; it's that simple."
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