Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly likely to struggle to sign Karim Benzema before the end of the January transfer window due to the striker's substantial wage packet at Al-Ittihad.

There is currently a host of speculation surrounding the 36-year-old's future, with Manchester United first credited with an interest in his services last weekend.

A report claimed that the Red Devils were lining up a loan offer for the experienced striker, although it is believed that the club are unlikely to move for him before the end of the month.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest, as both clubs are keen to boost their attacking department before the January transfer window closes for business.

According to the London Evening Standard, Benzema has indicated that he would be willing to leave Al-Ittihad during the winter market, and he is open to a move to the Premier League.

However, the ex-Real Madrid forward is believed to be on £88m a year at Al-Ittihad, and the Saudi Pro League outfit are not expected to let him leave on loan unless the majority of his salary is covered.

A deal for Benzema this month is therefore unlikely to make financial sense for either Arsenal or Chelsea, while Al-Ittihad are not believed to be willing to consider a permanent exit.

The Frenchman had been expected to sign a new deal at Real Madrid last summer, so it came as a surprise when he decided to leave on a free transfer to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

Benzema scored 31 times for Los Blancos during the 2022-23 campaign, and he has managed 12 goals and five assists in 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad since his arrival.

The reigning Saudi Pro League champions have found it difficult this season, though, only picking up 28 points from 18 matches, which has left them in seventh spot in the table, 25 points off leaders Al-Hilal.

Benzema has a contract with his current side until June 2026, but it has been claimed that he already wants to depart and return to European football.

The forward scored 354 goals and registered 165 assists in 648 appearances for Real Madrid, while he managed 37 goals in 97 caps for France.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who is preparing to return to action this weekend after a long spell out for breaching Football Association betting rules.

The Englishman has hinted that he would be prepared to leave the Bees this month, but it is believed that Thomas Frank's side would want in excess of £100m for him.