Chelsea target Benzema 'in line for mysterious transfer outside Europe'

KARIM BenzEMA is set to move to another Saudi Arabian club, according to reports.

The striker joined Al-Ittihad this summer, ending his fourteen-year stay at Real Madrid.

He signed a lucrative deal with the Saudi side and reportedly earns £83.5 million a year.

However, Benzema has become unsettled at the club and has been linked with a transfer this month.

Chelsea and Manchester United expressed interest in a loan deal, but finances proved to be a sticking point.

Benzema, 36, could leave Al-Ittihad this month L'Equipe Reporting talks are underway to move the striker to a club in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Former club Lyon have also shown an interest in their former star as the club languishes towards the bottom of the Ligue Un.

United have reportedly held talks to sign Benzema with club chiefs keen to add more experience to the frontline alongside Rasmus Hojlund.

But because Benzema is one of the highest earners in world football, it has proven difficult to lure him away.

However, the five-time Champions League winner has pushed for a move and was forced to train alone earlier this month after returning to Al-Ittihad 17 days late from a holiday.

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Benzema was due to report for training on January 2, but a source close to the club claims Al-Ittihad was unable to contact him for 10 days.

He then took another five days to return to report for training with the club.

Benzema also deactivated his Instagram, which has 36 million followers, while on holiday to Mauritius with his ex-wife Chloe de Launay.