Arsenal now learn of ‘growing possibility’ surrounding Karim Benzema future

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The future of Arsenal transfer target Karim Benzema has been in considerable doubt.

Arsenal have been credited with an interested in Karim Benzema, who is unsettled at current club Al-Ittihad.

The Saudi Arabian outfit are thought to be willing to let the French striker go this month.

It would be difficult for the Gunners to get a deal done for the 36-year-old, given the lack of financial resources currently available at the Emirates Stadium. However, with the player so out of favour in Al-Ittihad, it is possible that Arsenal sporting director Edu could figure out some sort of compromise that allows Benzema to join the Premier League side for the rest of the season on terms that both clubs can accept and afford.

However, Arsenal won’t be the only club keen on snapping the veteran up in this January transfer window.

Whilst the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner is not the player he once was, he remains a top class striker who still has something to offer at the highest level. Benzema has already enjoyed an exceptional career, winning four La Liga titles and five Champions League crowns across his long spell at Real Madrid. On top of his ability on the pitch, he brings so much valuable experience with him into any dressing room.

Where next for Arsenal target Karim Benzema?

Arteta are in need of a new striker, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah both falling short of expectations this season. As a short-term solution, Mikel Arteta would surely love to have Benzema at his disposal.

However, according to journalist Jonathan Johnson, reporting in his Daily Briefing, there is a “growing possibility” that Benzema could return to Lyon, where he began his career, and won four Ligue 1 titles before making the switch to La Liga.

Lyon are not now the dominant force in French football that they once were. As things stand, they sit 16th in the table and face a fight for survival in the top flight. Benzema could be tempted to go back to the club and join former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette in trying to fire them to safety. It would be the romantic route for Benzema to take at this stage in his career, bringing his playing days around in a full circle, back to where he made his breakthrough.

The Gunners may not be ready to give up the chase yet, though, and the chance to challenge himself in the Premier League at long last could also hold huge appeal for the 97-cap former France International.