Dean Jones’ Transfer Rumours: Blues to replace Broja with Benzema?

Week three of the January transfer window and there have been a few crazy flying rumours around.  Levi Colwill was linked with Liverpool, Victor Gyokeres was linked with Chelsea…we can forget those ones for now and focus on some conversations that hold genuine opportunity.

Here at William Hill we continue to break down big transfer rumours that are unfolding and this week we address focus around Karim Benzema’s Saudi Arabian exit plan, Armando Broja’s potential to leave Chelsea before the deadline, and the Kalvin Phillips saga…

Karim Benzema

Top Benz! This is the sort of signing that would turn around any team’s season and Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked to the former Real Madrid man.

The narrative around his current situation at Al-Ittihad suggests life in the Middle East is not all he had hoped it would be, and that he would be very open minded about a loan in Europe for the rest of this season.

The idea is great but the reality is tricky. Benzema is one of the Saudi Pro League’s biggest names – losing him is on a very different level to losing Jordan Henderson. And we also have to factor in the wages he would command.

At Al-Ittihad he earns around £86million a year – at a time when Arsenal and Man United are being extra cautious, it’s unlikely they can make the numbers work—even if he takes a huge pay drop.

Chelsea being Chelsea, you can never say never. It is still unlikely but signing Benzema could definitely save their season.

Armando Broja

Time to go, Bro? One factor that could play into any arrival of a top player like Benzema at Stamford Bridge would be the exit of Broja.

He’s got a £50million price-tag on his head and while that is very unlikely to be met by anyone in this market, there will be potential for a loan that turns into a permanent deal in the summer.

Broja has been determined to make it at Chelsea but the writing seems to be on the wall and sources indicate that Mauricio Pochettino would be far more accepting of losing him than someone like Conor Gallagher.

West Ham are playing down the idea they could sign Broja but the likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace are still linked and it is believed there is also interest driving from abroad.

If Chelsea are going to overhaul the attack, it is likely Broja will leave.

Kalvin Phillips

It’s complicated! We suggested a couple of weeks back that this would be the key time for Phillips to make his move and discussions are definitely heating up.

Suddenly Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also being linked with Phillips, and there is a level of real interest, but Newcastle still should not be discounted from the conversation as sources remain adamant they want him on board. Crystal Palace and West Ham are watching, too.

The loan fee is being negotiated with representatives and is a reason for the hold up in moving.

But Phillips has to make sure he finds a club that suits his style and also his need for playing time.

This one might drag on longer than expected yet all indications remain that he WILL still leave Manchester City by the transfer deadline.