Rumour: Chelsea set sights on Karim Benzema

Chelsea and Manchester City are reportedly monitoring the situation of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid, amid rumours abounding he could look to quit the Spanish giants in the summer.

Benzema has enjoyed a fruitful season at Santiago Benarbeu this season, having been first choice for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, but with Real reportedly chasing a series of big name strikers, he is aware that he could be replaced before the new campaign gets underway, reports Talk Sport.

With just one year remaining on his contract, as well, Real could look to offload the French forward in the summer as opposed to losing him for free next year, especially with UEFA Financial Fair Play rulings coming into place.

Chelsea and Jose Mourinho have made no secret of their desire to bring in a top class striker in time for the new campaign, with the Blues boss currently dissatisfied with his current options.

Edinson Cavani, Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa are all reportedly being considered, but Benzema would represent a cheaper option with just 15 months to run on his contract and Real hoping to use him to offset the cost of their own striking purchase.

Manchester City are also in the market for a striker with Edin Dzeko reportedly seeking to exit the Etihad in the summer and Manuel Pellegrini could look to his former club as a straight bid, to to have him used as part of any deal for Sergio Aguero, who Real are rumoured to be interested in buying.

The Frenchman’s agent, Jonathan Hope, told reporters, “I’ve proposed rekindling the interest from Manchester City for Karim. After his fine form in El Clasico (he scored twice), I’ve proposed him as a summer target.”

“Karim would love to play in the Premier League and Manchester City would be his choice of club. However, reuniting with Mourinho and Chelsea would also be of interest.

“I know he is watching the Manchester derby with interest however. Manchester United will be a no-go area for the player as he has refused them four times over the years.”