Coming from Fabrizio Romano this morning. One-time Ballon D’or Winner Karim Benzema has finally signed a 6-month loan contract with this stunning Premier League club.

Karim Benzema is contemplating leaving the Saudi Pro League after a disappointing season, and insiders suggest he might issue a warning to Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United. His clashes with now-departed manager Nuno Espirito Santo led to the latter’s dismissal in November. Multiple Premier League teams are eyeing the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner to bolster their attacking options before the January transfer window concludes.

Manchester United, facing a void after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, temporarily filled it by acquiring Wout Weghorst on loan last year. Despite financial challenges, even with backing from minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United urgently needs Benzema, especially with just 24 goals in 21 games this season, exacerbated by manager Erik ten Hag sidelining Anthony Martial.

Chelsea, despite significant spending, struggles to find a prolific striker under Mauricio Pochettino. Inconsistencies in Nicolas Jackson’s performances and setbacks in Christopher Nkunku’s fitness intensify the need. Armando Broja, the club’s sole other prominent striker, might depart if Chelsea secures a suitable replacement matching their £50 million valuation.

Arsenal is also on the hunt for a striker due to Ivan Toney’s expected stay at Brentford until summer. Benzema’s loan transfer appears plausible, although Al Ittihad is hesitant to lose its prized asset midway through the season, given Benzema’s contract still has two and a half years remaining.

Despite the contractual ties, Benzema may believe he can secure a return to a major European club in the next two weeks, especially if Jordan Henderson successfully negotiates his contract with Al Ettifaq before his move to Ajax. This situation sets the stage for an intriguing transfer scenario in the ongoing football season.