Rumour Has It: Benzema to sign Madrid deal as Man Utd eye Calvert-Lewin & Arsenal star nears exit

With January approaching, Real Madrid look to be keeping faith with an existing star, as Karim Benzema reportedly nears a contract renewal.

Published : Dec 31, 2019 14:47 IST

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's (left) current deal had been set to expire in 2021, but an extension is imminent.
Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's (left) current deal had been set to expire in 2021, but an extension is imminent.
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Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's (left) current deal had been set to expire in 2021, but an extension is imminent.

Some of Europe's top clubs are already making signings ahead of the January transfer window, but Real Madrid's focus, at least for now, looks to be on securing the services of a current player.

Karim Benzema remains one of Madrid's key men, with 12 goals in 17 La Liga matches this term.

Los Blancos will reportedly reward the striker's fine form with a contract renewal in the coming months, keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu for another two seasons.

TOP STORY – BENZEMA TO STAY UNTIL 2022

Karim Benzema has agreed to sign a new contract with La Liga giant Real Madrid , according to Marca.

Benzema's current deal had been set to expire in 2021, but an extension is imminent. The newspaper reports the Frenchman will be rewarded improved terms on a new contract to run until 2022 due to his outstanding form.

With Madrid enjoying a mid-season break, it is said to have agreed a deal with Benzema that will be made formal at the end of the campaign.

Benzema's future is apparently a priority for Madrid, with the report suggesting the deal was only capped at an additional year as the player is determined not to outstay his welcome, leaving before his outstanding career wanes.

ROUND-UP

Manchester United  reportedly has an interest in Benfica star  Gedson Fernandes . Sky Sports say the 20-year-old midfielder, who has fallen out of favour with his club, could be available for £34million (€39.8m) following a loan, rather than for a loftier release clause of £102m. United is desperate to bolster its midfield, with Nemanja Matic tipped to join Inter , Milan or Atletico Madrid .

- Staying at Old Trafford and The Suns says United is eyeing £50m-rated Everton striker  Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Erling Haaland signed for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund .

The Mirror claims Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will leave Emirates Stadium at the end of the season in pursuit of silverware. Aubameyang has 18 months remaining on his contract.

Chelsea has made enquiries about the release clause in RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner's contract, says The Telegraph . Werner has been linked to Liverpool , United and Bayern Munich .

El Desmarque says Everton is leading the race to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid. Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti worked with James during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

- Serie A champions Juventus leads the race to sign Dejan Kulusevski , according to Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport . The 19-year-old, on loan at Parma from Atalanta , has been linked to United , Arsenal , Napoli , Inter and Liverpool . But Juve is reportedly poised to pay Atalanta €40-50m, while allowing Kulusevski to remain on loan at Parma until the end of the season.

- Calciomercato.com reports  Jean-Clair Todibo  has an offer from  Milan . A deal is said to be done for the Barcelona defender - an initial loan, followed by a €20m fee with no buyback option - but he has not yet agreed to the transfer.

- Having already signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan must move on others in the next month. However, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports the Rossoneri is only interested in selling  Ricardo Rodriguez  and  Suso , rather than accommodating loan deals that would suit  Watford  and  Sevilla , respectively.

Napoli is set to announce the signing of  Stanislav Lobotka  for an initial €16m, according to Calciomercato.com . The midfielder will leave Celta Vigo and sign a contract with the Partenopei until 2024.

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