Chelsea is on the verge of securing a prominent striker for Stamford Bridge, and interestingly, this player has already stirred the pot by mocking Arsenal fans in the past.
Rivalry Renewed: Chelsea vs. Arsenal
While Chelsea and Arsenal may not consider each other their primary adversaries, the London rivals have engaged in intense clashes over the years, especially in finals. Despite Arsenal’s recent success in FA Cup encounters, Chelsea dominated them with a resounding 4-1 victory in the 2019 Europa League final in Baku.
Chelsea’s Striking Target: Karim Benzema
The latest buzz at Stamford Bridge revolves around the pursuit of a striker, with reports suggesting that former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema might be in line for a short-term move to the Premier League. The French forward is currently experiencing a less-than-ideal time in Saudi Arabia after a surprising exit from Real Madrid.
Benzema’s History with Arsenal Rumors
Karim Benzema has a history with Premier League rumors, particularly concerning a potential move to Arsenal. The Telegraph reveals that Chelsea is considering the possibility of bringing the veteran striker to Stamford Bridge. Benzema had previously been linked with Arsenal during the height of his career in European football.
Insulting Arsenal Fans: “Clowns” Comment
In 2015, during his time at Real Madrid, Benzema responded to rumors connecting him with a move to Arsenal by calling those who believed in such speculations “clowns.” This comment irked Arsenal fans, especially during a period when the club struggled to secure a top-caliber center-forward. The summer of 2015 saw Arsene Wenger miss out on his primary target, resulting in a transfer window where only Petr Cech joined the Gunners, notably from Chelsea.
Benzema’s Current Status and Transfer Value
The 36-year-old striker is currently not enjoying his time in Saudi Arabia, reportedly left out of Al-Ittihad training camps. Chelsea sees an opportunity to bring him to Stamford Bridge. According to Transfermarkt, Benzema is valued at €15 million, making him an attractive prospect for the Blues.
A Potential Rivalry Spark
Should Chelsea successfully secure Karim Benzema, it could reignite the rivalry between the Blues and Arsenal, given the French striker’s history with mocking Gunners supporters. As transfer talks progress, fans eagerly await the potential impact of this move on the dynamics between the two London clubs.
