Benzema had been linked with a number of clubs over the January window, including Arsenal, though the most substantial reports suggested he could return to former club Lyon.
That move is no longer on the cards, and Benzema is instead set to continue to honour his three-year deal in Saudi Arabia.
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 26: Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad looks on prior to the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on December 26, 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA: Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad looks on prior to the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium on December 26, 2023. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Sami Mokbel recently reported for the Daily Mail that Arsenal were offered Benzema earlier in the month, which likely explains the links between the two.
The general reporting on Arsenal’s interest in Benzema has been pretty consistent, with various sources writing to deny that the Gunners have made any kind of move for him.
But the story clearly came from somewhere, and Mokbel’s report suggests it was Benzema’s camp or a third party making the approach, not the other way around.
benzema tottenham
Karim Benzema reacts during a UEFA Champions League group H football match Real Madrid CF vs Tottenham Hotspur FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 17, 2017. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano wrote previously that the situation between Benzema and Al-Ittihad was tense, and one to watch.
The 36-year-old has scored 12 goals in 20 games in Saudi Arabia, but he’s been criticised for his performances all the same.
Rather than taking an easy way out, it now seems the striker is going to have to try and turn things around with his current club.
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