Transfers

Chelsea eye loan moves for Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino

Chelsea have been tipped to explore loan moves for Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino as they seek a solution to their goalscoring woes this month.

The Blues have once again struggled to put the ball in the back of the net this season and a fresh hip injury to Christopher Nkunku, who missed the first half of the season through injury, has left Chelsea exploring their options in attack.

A new striker signing is likely in 2024 and among the top targets is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, although the Nigeria international is expected to be too expensive this month, which has forced Chelsea to explore alternative targets.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea could look to Saudi Arabia, with both Benzema and Firmino tipped to leave the Middle East and return to Europe by various media outlets in recent weeks.

Marca state that Benzema, who joined Al Ittihad this summer when his Real Madrid contract expired, has not returned to training after being granted time off and manager Marcelo Gallardo has subsequently banished him from the first-team fold.

It is claimed that Benzema also missed more training sessions towards the end of last year, leaving him facing an uncertain future with the Saudi side.

Benzema has had a steady start to life with Al Ittihad, racking up 12 goals in 20 appearances but falling well short of the standards he set during his final years with Madrid. The 36-year-old was among Europe’s top marksmen last season, finding the back of the net 31 times in all competitions.

Such firepower would be huge for Chelsea, who have also been tipped to look at Firmino in search of a solution.

Firmino is open to returning to the Premier League after losing his spot in Al Ahli’s starting lineup. The former Liverpool forward has just three goals from 19 appearances since moving to Saudi Arabia.

Transfers

Disasi agrees personal terms with Aston Villa

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa after agreeing to personal terms ahead of a potential January transfer.

The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and is now set to make the move to Unai Emery’s side, who are looking to replace Diego Carlos following his recent departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via Football Transfer, Carlos joined Fenerbahce for €10 million, prompting Villa to identify Disasi as their ideal replacement. Romano shared on X:

“Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa.

“Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light.

“Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Chelsea signed Disasi from AS Monaco for €45 million in 2023, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €20.9 million due to limited playing opportunities this season. The 25-year-old has only featured in six Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times since Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer.

Transfers

EPL: Nottingham Forest desperate to sell out-of-favor Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest are facing difficulties in offloading striker Emmanuel Dennis before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian forward has been out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has not made a single appearance this season. Dennis’ last game for Forest was against Crystal Palace in May 2023.

The 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is proving challenging to sell due to his high wages. Dennis currently earns £4 million annually, making him a costly option for potential suitors.

Discussions are ongoing with Watford, but his former club cannot meet his salary demands. Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed interest, but reports indicate their offer falls short of Forest’s expectations.

Transfers

Belgian club, KAS Eupen secure Nigerian striker Ejike on loan

Belgian club KAS Eupen has secured Nigerian striker Philip Ejike on a loan deal from Bulgarian side PFK Montana.

The agreement includes an option for the Pandas to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Ejike impressed during his stint at PFK Montana, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

The talented forward is set to join his new teammates in training immediately and could make his debut as early as Tuesday when KAS Eupen takes on SC Lokeren-Temse.

Mersad Selimbegovic’s team currently sits 13th in the league standings.