Man Utd ‘have secret weapon’ to beat Arsenal to Karim Benzema transfer as ‘talks begin’ | Football | Sport

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Man Utd ‘have secret weapon’ to beat Arsenal to Karim Benzema transfer as ‘talks begin’ | Football | Sport

Manchester United have entered talks to sign Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema on loan for the remainder of the season, according to reports. And, amid rival interest from Arsenal and Lyon, the Red Devils could have a secret weapon in the race for Benzema’s signature before the January transfer deadline.

Benzema left Real Madrid to sign a two-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, at Al-Ittihad last summer as part of the Saudi Pro League revolution.

The 36-year-old has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances, providing five assists, but is among a cluster of players said to have grown unhappy in Saudi Arabia.

According to Marca, Benzema requested to leave Al-Ittihad until the end of the season in discussions with the club on Tuesday, which continued into Wednesday.

The Spanish outlet claims that United are in talks with Benzema’s camp regarding a potential switch over the next week, but Al-Ittihad are digging their heels in over his exit.

Arsenal and Lyon have also been mooted as suitors, with Mikel Arteta eyeing an elite goalscorer to fuel the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge and Champions League campaign.

Arsenal may represent a more attractive option for a short-term move this summer, given the FA Cup is United’s last remaining chance of silverware.

However, there could be a new secret weapon at Old Trafford in the shape of incoming chief executive Omar Berrada.

United have poached Manchester City’s chief football operations officer with the view of drastically improving the club’s sporting and commercial fortunes.

And Berrada could play a central role in sealing a blockbuster transfer months before he officially gets to work across the Manchester border.

According to L’Equipe, Premier League clubs are the only interested parties capable of affording Benzema this month. United’s need for another emergency striker makes links unsurprising.

And it’s claimed that Berrada is capable of luring Benzema to Old Trafford due to his close relationship with figures at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The French-Morrocan chief’s ties are unknown. However, Manchester City sold Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte to Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr, respectively, last summer.

If Benzema emerges as unattainable this month, United will likely have alternative options to approach in a short-term loan deal while funds are tight.

The Red Devils have been strongly linked to Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting this month, with Anthony Martial set to be sidelined until April through injury.

Cet article est apparu en premier en ANGLAIS sur https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1859448/Man-Utd-transfer-news-Arsenal-Karim-Benzema


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