CHELSEA are reportedly keen on a winter transfer for Karim Benzema.

The Real Madrid legend is considering a Saudi Arabia exit following Jordan Henderson’s Ajax switch.

Benzema, 36, joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer in June after an incredible 14 seasons in Spain.

He netted 354 goals in 648 games while winning four LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues.

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner has gone on to score 15 goals in 24 matches for his new club.

But Benzema has reportedly struggled to settle in his new surroundings.

Chelsea are showing an interest in Benzema after failing to solve their own issues up front.

The Blues have splashed over £1billion since Todd Boehly’s takeover but are yet to find a consistent goalscorer to lead the line.

They know all about Benzema’s ability to find the back of the net, with the Frenchman netting six goals against Chelsea during Champions League games in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

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One of those matches saw Benzema net a superb hat-trick at Stamford Bridge.

And he could be open to a London move, with Benzema sure to feel at home due to Chelsea’s sizable French contingency.

Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Lesley Ugochukwu are all seen as integral members of the club’s plans.

And Benzema is likely to get a glowing review of Stamford Bridge from current teammate N’Golo Kante, who spent seven years with the Blues.

However, Al-Ittihad are apparently reluctant to cut ties with Benzema after just six months.

He penned a three-year deal with the oil-rich side and is believed to be earning a mind-blowing £3.5million a week – working out at over £170m per year.

Benzema would be able to pocket that entire fortune without paying tax should he stay in Saudi for another 18 months.

But after seeing Henderson bulldoze his way out of Al-Ettifaq, Benzema will now explore his options – with Chelsea set to be one of them.