Transfer Talk: Chelsea rev up interest as Benz eyes Saudi exit

Chelsea are showing an interest in signing Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.

The striker is reportedly training alone at the Saudi Pro League club after returning 17 days late from his holiday.

And The Guardian claim a switch to the Premier League is being explored.

Summer signing Nicolas Jackson has scored eight goals in all competitions since joining the Blues, while fellow forward Armando Broja has netted just twice so far this term. 

With injury-hit Christopher Nkunku back on the sidelines, boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be keen to add a world-class hitman to his ranks — and Benzema could fit the bill. 

The Frenchman, 36, is the latest superstar to become disillusioned with life in Saudi Arabia.

Jordan Henderson sealed his return to Europe by joining Ajax from Al-Ettifaq last week, while his former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino supposedly wants out of Al-Ahli.

There is also said to be interest from Lyon in Benzema, who started his career with the French club.

But the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner could end up plying his trade in the English top flight if Chelsea, who hammered Middlesbrough last night to reach the Carabao Cup final, decide to bolster Poch's star-studded squad. 

In other news

Nottingham Forest are in talks over a loan deal for Borussia Dortmund's attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna, report The Athletic.

Football Insider claim Newcastle are keen to hijack Tottenham's move for Club Brugge sensation Antonio Nusa, who they see as a potential replacement for Saudi-bound Miguel Almiron.

TEAMtalk state Fulham are keen on Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah, while The Sun believe Forest are interested in the centre-back.