Lyon face one major hurdle as they aim to challenge Chelsea for Saudi Pro League megastar

Fabrizio Romano says Olympique Lyon have been talks with Chelsea target Karim Benzema since December

Fabrizio Romano has made another fresh update on Chelsea target Karim Benzema and revealed that French side Olympique Lyon have attempted to bring back their former player, who is said to be unhappy at the Saudi Pro League.

It has been understood that Lyon owner Textor has been in talks with the striker since December, but the key issue has been the salary, which the French giants cannot afford.

The former Real Madrid striker is earning around £3.31m million at Al-Ittihad, which Lyon is incapable of fulfilling and if he wishes to leave the Middle Eastern club he will have to reduce his pay.

Benzema, who emerged from the Lyon academy, became one of the most prominent strikers and made his name at Real Madrid, winning five Champions League trophies and a Ballon d’Or.

The Blues are also said to be keen on signing the French star as they are looking to fix their short-term goalscoring issues, but they are facing similar problems with his hefty wages.

Saudi side Al-Ittihad are keen on keeping the striker, but the situation between the forward and the club has been tense, and it will be interesting to watch how things unfold.

It will be a great coup for other teams if Benzema chooses to depart, but his salary will be the only thing standing in his way; if he is determined to join them, he will have to take a pay cut.

The 36-year-old is an ideal short-term solution till we sell some players to raise money and buy a new striker because he has a boatload of experience leading Chelsea’s front line.

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However, as previously indicated, the primary determinant will be the pay, as meeting his contract will impact our wage bill and may result in a violation of the Financial Fair Play regulation, which might lead to Premier League penalties.