Karim Benzema makes big decision on return to Europe after Arsenal and Chelsea transfer links

Karim Benzema has returned to Europe for treatment on an injury amid continued links of a transfer to the Premier League.

Benzema is currently starring for Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad, where he has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances this season. The 2022 Ballon d'Or winner left Real Madrid to move to Saudi Arabia last year, but less than 12 months later he has been linked with another transfer.

Arsenal and Chelsea were linked with potentially signing Benzema during the January transfer window. However, despite the reported interest neither the Gunners nor the Blues moved to sign Benzema or any other striker in the New Year.

Just a few months later, Benzema is returning to Europe for treatment on an injury. At Itthad have confirmed that the France international is travelling to Real Madrid where he will undergo treatment for a muscle injury which has caused him to miss several matches this term.

"Karim Benzema is undergoing further examinations in Real Madrid's clinic with his former doctor in Spain, who supervised his care in previous years," Al Ittihad confirmed in a statement in the early hours of Thursday morning.

"The consultations were arranged between Ittihad's medical teams and Real Madrid regarding Benzema's injuries, which caused him to miss key matches this season. Benzema has already left for Spain and is expected to return next week."

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Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been heavily linked with signing a new striker ever since the January transfer window opened. Benzema was listed in some reports as being a target for both Premier League clubs, but both the Gunners and the Blues opted to stick with their current options for the second half of the season.

It remains to be seen what business both Arsenal and Chelsea do in the summer, with a new striker rumoured to be top of the agenda for both clubs.