Chelsea decide against move for Ballon d’Or winner

Chelsea face Premier League leaders Liverpool in a crucial game at Anfield on Wednesday. 

The Blues arrive on Merseyside off the back of a frustrating goalless draw against Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round last time out, while the Reds cruised to a 5-2 win over Championship side Norwich City.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have lost just once in their last seven games across all competitions, though, and the Argentine will be hopeful that his side can leave Anfield with a positive result.

The game will also provide both Pochettino and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with an insight into the upcoming Carabao Cup final, with the two sides meeting at Wembley next month.

In the meantime, the Blues have reportedly decided against a shock move for a Ballon d’Or winner.

As per The Athletic, the West London outfit have decided not to pursue Al-Ittihad star Karim Benzema in the final days of the current transfer window.

Chelsea have decided against a move for Karim Benzema

The Frenchman joined the Saudi Arabian side from Real Madrid last summer but is reportedly unhappy in the Middle East, and Chelsea had been touted as a possible destination for the striker.

During his spell in Madrid, Benzema scored a remarkable 354 goals and provided 165 assists in 648 games across all competitions, cementing himself as one of the club’s greatest ever players.

Since moving to the Pro League, the former France international has continued his impressive goal scoring form – netting 12 times in 20 games.

The report claims that Chelsea have ruled out a move for the 26-year-old in the final days of the window, citing a reluctance to sign older players.

Chelsea have signed a number of the world’s most promising young talents over the past 18 months and, despite the appeal of a potential short-term loan deal for Benzema, it is claimed that the London outfit will continue to prioritise signing younger players.