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Real Madrid's Benzema and Ancelotti hold 'unusual' meeting with big Saudi request made
Karim Benzema is mulling over a mega contract from Saudi Arabia that could see him leave Real Madrid.
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Karim Benzema and Carlo Ancelotti reportedly held an ‘unusual’ meeting at Real Madrid’s training ground that was not part of the team’s schedule, as the French striker has received a huge contract offer from Saudi Arabia that has thrown his future with Los Blancos into doubt. Benzema could reunite with his former Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in the region after the ex-Manchester United star joined Al Nassr in December.
Reports had suggested that Benzema wishes to leave Spain after receiving an offer from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, with the French striker now expected to depart from the Bernabeu a year before his contract expires. If Benzema does leave Madrid, however, he is also hoping to take one key member with him to the Middle East.
The Athletic claim that Benzema has asked one of the club’s physios to join him in Saudi Arabia should he make the switch, an unusual request as club medical staff rarely follow players on their next venture. The 35-year-old clearly has a strong relationship with the physio though, having discussed the move to Al-Ittihad together over the past few months.
Whether Benzema requested that the medic join him in Saudi Arabia during his meeting with Ancelotti remains to be seen, as the club expect their star striker to leave unless the board can change his mind.
However, after over a decade of service that has seen Benzema win the Champions League on five occasions, Madrid are unlikely to stand in his way if he decides to leave the club - something his team-mates have been aware of for several weeks.
If Benzema is to depart from the Bernabeu, Madrid will almost certainly need to use the transfer market to find a replacement. The only other recognised number nine at Ancelotti’s disposal is Mariano Diaz, who has scored just seven La Liga goals in five seasons and 60 appearances.
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Harry Kane has previously been linked with Madrid and Tottenham chief Daniel Levy would certainly rather sell the England captain abroad than to a Premier League rival, while Kai Havertz is a rogue option that is reportedly being considered by those in charge at Madrid.
The German has had another underwhelming season at Chelsea, as the Blues stumbled to a 12th-placed finish with Havertz scoring just seven league goals in 30 starts. New boss Mauricio Pochettino could be willing to part ways with the 23-year-old, as he is set to oversee a fire sale at the club to offset the £600m spent by Todd Boehly and co over the past two windows.
If the Argentine is looking to add a new number nine, then Havertz may be sold in order to help ease Financial Fair Play concerns while Madrid could get their replacement for Benzema.