Transfer Talk: Man United, Arsenal cool interest in Benzema،
The winter transfer window is now open in Europe, and there are plenty of moves being made and plenty of gossip swirling. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumors, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Man Utd and Arsenal cool on Benzema
Karim Benzema could struggle to find a new club in January, with Manchester United and Arsenal unlikely to make a move for Al Ittihad striker, says Ben Jacobs.
Benzema joined the Saudi Pro League side last summer from Real Madrid on a free transfer, but the 36-year-old is already said to be eager to leave the club. The France international was left out of training by Al Ittihad boss Marcelo Gallardo after returning late from his mid-season holiday in Mauritius.
Manchester United have struggled to find a consistent source of goals in the Premier League this season, however, it is understood that United's interest in signing Benzema is not as strong as some believe.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also said to be keen on attacking reinforcements, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah the club's only recognized strikers. However, the Gunners have not made any contact regarding a possible deal for Benzema. With the transfer window progressing rapidly, Jacobs reports that a move to the Premier League is unlikely to materialize.
A return to Lyon could be a more feasible option for Benzema with John Textor, the majority shareholder of the Ligue 1 club, keen on a move. Despite this, it would appear that this would not be possible without a substantial pay cut for the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, which could make a transfer difficult.
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Paper gossip
– Manchester United will authorize the defender Raphaël Varane to leave the club at the end of his contract this summer, reports Football Insider. The 30-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Red Devils after struggling to regain his place in the first team, however, it is reported that he will stay until the end of the season. The report states that while United have the option to extend his contract for another year, this is unlikely given the club are keen to free up wages.
– Bayer Leverkusen is studying a possible decision to Moses Keanbut the striker looks set to join Atletico Madrid, Sky Sports Deutschland reports. Florian Plettenberg. The Juventus striker is reportedly allowed to leave Turin this month, and although he has attracted the attention of Leverkusen, Plettenberg suggests the Italy international is close to securing a loan deal with the Atleti.
– Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to complete loan deal for Ajax Amsterdam winger Carlos Forbesaccording to Fabrizio Romano. The 19-year-old joined Ajax last summer from Manchester City, but he could be ready to return to England. Alongside Forbs, sources have told ESPN that Forest are also keen to complete a deal for the Borussia Dortmund winger. Giovanni Reyna.
– Atletico Madrid close to finalizing deal for Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeerenrevealed Fabrizio Romano. It is reported that although the two clubs have agreed on a fee of €22 million, the deal is not finalized, with contract details still being worked out between the player and the Atleti.
