Karim Benzema set for crunch talks with Al-Ittihad over future after January links with Man Utd and Chelsea

The French striker is staying put at Al-Ittihad, at least until the summer. However, with Benzema still feeling unsettled in the Middle East he wants to get clarity about his future before the next transfer window.

According to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports, the former Real Madrid striker is already engaged in discussions with Al-Ittihad this week, focusing on clarifying their plans ahead of the upcoming summer window.

Jacobs added that there was neither a formal request nor an approval for Benzema to leave the club in January. Both Al-Ittihad and key figures in the Saudi dealmakers have expressed a desire for Benzema to extend his stay for another season.

Although Chelse and United were linked to Benzema, there are no concrete offers from any of the English top-flight clubs. Efforts by Lyon to bring Benzema back proved impossible due to the substantial wage cut required. Meanwhile, Ittihad continue to assert that any potential bid from other clubs, including those in the English Premier League, would have been rejected.

Benzema has a three-year deal with Al-Ittihad until 2026. Although he has scored 12 goals in 20 games, the former French international has often come under the scanner over his performances in the recent past, which has irked the striker.

Although they are the reigning champions, they currently sit seventh in the 18-team division after losing their last three league games before the mid-season break due to the AFC Asian Cup.