Real Madrid News
Real Madrid suspect Benzema thinking about exit amid €200 million Saudi Arabia offer
Although we are approaching the season’s end, Real Madrid are yet to officiate the contract of their star player Karim Benzema.
The forward’s contract at Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season. Although several reports had claimed that Real Madrid already have a verbal agreement with the striker, there appears to be reluctance in officiating the deal.
And according to a recent report from Alfredo Matilla, Real Madrid now believe Benzema is considering an exit from Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season, in favour of a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Fresh doubts over the future of Benzema come in the midst of an offer from the Saudi Arabian government, who are ready to offer the Real Madrid striker a whopping €200 million along with other benefits.
Indeed, the Saudi government are willing to offer Benzema €200 million over a two-year period. They are also offering him image rights, advertising and even the creation of schools for children.
Benzema was also absent from the Real Madrid squad against Getafe. His substandard performances against Manchester City in the Champions League semifinal have also led to questions over his commitment to the team.
The club, therefore, fear the Frenchman is strongly considering offers from Saudi Arabia. It must be mentioned that the Middle East is offering all players to earn salaries with full tax exemption, meaning the player won’t have to pay any tax on the €200 million wage.
This lucrative offer is now keeping Real Madrid on edge as they patiently wait for Benzema’s decision. The club have kickstarted the process of finding a reliable alternative in the transfer market, though, with Harry Kane emerging as one of many options for Los Blancos.
Aurelien Tchouameni has had an exciting start to his career at Real Madrid. Since joining the club for almost €80 million last summer, the young Frenchman has now become a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s midfield unit.
However, prior to his move to Santiago Bernabeu, the midfielder was closely linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
In a recent interview, Tchouameni opened up on his links to PSG but revealed his decision to join Real Madrid.
Aurelien Tchouameni on PSG links
Talking about speculations linking him to PSG, Tchouameni said (h/t Madrid Zone), “PSG? Frankly, I thought about it. It’s a very big European club, we want the French clubs to succeed.”
“But honestly, when Real Madrid calls you, it’s very complicated to say no,” Tchouameni added.
The midfielder was linked with a move to PSG during his time at AS Monaco. Les Parisiens wanted to sign the youngster as part of their plans to reinforce the midfield unit.
Tchouameni, though, ended up opting for a move to Real Madrid, which turned out to be a prudent decision from the midfielder’s end.
Tchouameni’s career at Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni made a total of 50 competitive appearances during his maiden season at Real Madrid.
Although the Frenchman was not entirely a first-team regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s setup, his stature in the team is expected to grow in the coming years.
Especially as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric move on at the end of the season, there is scope for Tchouameni to become a first-team regular in the Real Madrid midfield in the years to come.
The former AS Monaco starlet has already played a crucial role in the starting eleven so far this season and it is only going to continue as the season progresses.
