Karim Benzema 'asks to leave Al-Ittihad' amid Arsenal and Chelsea transfer links | OneFootball

Alex Young @alexwsyoung

Karim Benzema has told Al-Ittihad to wishes to leave the club during the January transfer window.

According to French news agency AFP, the striker feels under "pressure" at the Saudi club and wants a temporary move. Al-Ittihad offered to loan the player to another team in the Saudi Pro League but Benzema was not interested.

Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with interest in the Ballon d'Or winner, who is one of the highest-paid players in the Saud Pro League, as their attacking output continues to prove inconsistent.

Benzema's former club Lyon are reportedly keen on brokering a deal to bring the striker back to the club he left in 2009, but any move would require a huge pay cut.

AFP report that Benzema has held a "bad-tempered" meeting with Al-Ittihad, where he laid out his desire to leave.