Manchester United are in talks to take Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema on loan for the rest of the season, according to sources. And, despite rival interest from Arsenal and Lyon, the Red Devils may have a secret weapon in the hunt for Benzema’s signature before the January transfer deadline.
Benzema left Real Madrid last summer to join Al-Ittihad on a two-year contract with a 12-month option as part of the Saudi Pro League revolution.
The 36-year-old has 12 goals and five assists in 20 appearances, but he is one of several players who are thought to be unhappy in Saudi Arabia.
According to Marca, Benzema requested to leave Al-Ittihad until the end of the season Tuesday, which continued into Wednesday.
According to the Spanish site, United are in talks with Benzema’s camp about a potential swap over the next week, but Al-Ittihad are refusing to allow him leave.
Arsenal and Lyon have also been mentioned as potential suitors, with Mikel Arteta seeking an elite goalscorer to fuel the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge and Champions League campaign.
Arsenal may be a more appealing choice for a short-term move this summer, given that the FA Cup is United’s last chance to win a trophy.
Omar Berrada, the next chief executive, might be a new secret weapon at Old Trafford.
United has hired Manchester City’s top football operations officer with the goal of significantly boosting the club’s sporting and commercial fortunes.
Berrada might also play a key part in securing a lucrative transfer months before he officially begins working across the Manchester border.
According to L’Equipe, Premier League teams are the only interested parties who can afford Benzema this month. United’s need for another emergency striker makes these links predictable.
Berrada is said to be capable of attracting Benzema to Old Trafford because of his good relationship with officials from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The French-Moroccan chief’s relationships remain unknown. However, last summer, Manchester City sold Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte to Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr, respectively.
If Benzema proves impossible this month, United will certainly have other possibilities for a short-term loan deal while funds are limited.
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