David Ornstein now shares what he’s hearing about Karim Benzema amid Chelsea links

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David Ornstein has given an update on the future of Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema, which will interest Chelsea fans.

It is not quite clear whether Chelsea actually have a genuine interest in Karim Benzema, but a report from The Telegraph recently suggested that the Blues could consider bringing the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge on a short-term loan.

However, speaking on The Daily Transfer Briefing, David Ornstein claimed that Benzema will be staying in the Saudi Pro League.

Another striker who is also being linked with a move to west London is Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran. According to journalist Nathan Gissing, Chelsea have discussed his name internally.

Karim Benzema staying at Al-Ittihad

Ornstein’s understanding is that Benzema will not be leaving Al-Ittihad despite some issues at the club.

On the 36-year-old, The Athletic journalist said: “Karim Benzema, to my understanding, is going to be staying in the Saudi Pro League. That’s the intention of the competition and that extends to his club Al-Ittihad despite there clearly being a bit of an issue going on right now and suggestions that he’s not turning up for training camps, etc.

“I’m told that he will be reintegrated into training, the meetings will be taking place, I think there are some planned in Dubai for later this week and they’ll try and smooth that situation over.”

Karim Benzema would have been a great signing for Chelsea

It is a shame that Chelsea will not be signing Benzema this month. He would have been the perfect short-term fix for their striker problem.

While Benzema is not getting any younger, he is still making an impact in attack. This season, the former France international has scored nine goals in 15 Saudi Pro League appearances.

Of course, the Saudi Pro League is not the strongest division, but Benzema also netted 19 times in La Liga in his final season at Real Madrid, which was not too long ago.

All in all, then, with Nicolas Jackson at the Africa Cup of Nations and Christopher Nkunku struggling to stay fit, Mauricio Pochettino would surely have welcomed Benzema to Stamford Bridge.