Chelsea eyeing loan move for Karim

This season, much has been made of the absence of senior figures in the Chelsea squad, and the manager is aware of the youthfulness of his side, especially in the striker position.

The Blues refused to make any big-money signings to play at centre-forward in the summer, preferring to sign 22-year-old Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for just over £32 million.

This decision left them with two 22-year-olds, Jackson and Armando Broja, as their options at centre-forward. Considering the level of competition in the Premier League, this represented an incredibly inexperienced strike force for the Blues.

Chelsea have struggled at times this season in front of goal, with the inexperience of both Jackson and Broja coming to the fore. The former has, however, managed eight goals in all competitions, while the latter has just two.

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea could now add quality and experience to their frontline with the pursuit of Benzema. The newspaper says Chelsea chiefs have held ‘internal talks’ about a move for the Ballon d’Or winner. The French striker has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 15 appearances in the Saudi Pro League this season.

As per the report, Chelsea are considering making a move for the 36-year-old striker on a short-term loan deal to help them until the end of the season. The former Real Madrid man enjoyed a brilliant spell in Europe before joining Al Ittihad, becoming the second highest goalscorer in Real Madrid history.

The Blues are looking at a move for Benzema, who has not travelled with the rest of his Al Ittihad teammates for their training camp in Dubai. The Frenchman will be a direct replacement this month for Jackson, who has traveled to the AFCON with Senegal.