It's been a memorable week for Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg. One week after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-2, the club in the top flight for the first time overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in Matchday 2’s seven-goal thriller.
While interested on an emotional return to Olympique Lyon, Karim Benzema's status as Saudi Pro League ambassador reportedly ended up blocking the move. Karim Benzema emerged as one of the most intriguing free agents of the 2026 summer transfer window, and while drawing interest from multiple European clubs, he was open to a homecoming at Olympique Lyon. However, according to reports, his contractual status as a Saudi Pro League ambassador ultimately blocked an emotional return to the French side. Following Ollie Watkins’ arrival at Al Hilal, Karim Benzema and the Saudi club reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, which had one year remaining. The move sent the French striker into free agency, leaving him cleared to negotiate terms with potential suitors. Concurrently, Olympique Lyon have navigated severe financial constraints in recent seasons, raising funds by selling young talents like Malick Fofana to Sunderland for $34 million (€29.3 million EUR) and Afonso Moreira to Bayer Leverkusen for $34 million (€29.3 million EUR). Despite Lyon’s tight budget, L’Equipe reported that Benzema was willing to return to his boyhood club without taking a salary. While both parties favored the reunion, contractual entanglements halted progress. Beyond finalizing his exit details with Al Hilal, a broader contractual barrier stood in the way: Benzema’s agreement as a Saudi Pro League ambassador through 2030 prohibits him from competing professionally in another country, rendering a move to Lyon virtually impossible. Karim Benzema of Olympique Lyon. (Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) As part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision leading up to the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) secured several global marquee figures as brand ambassadors to drive international media visibility. Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and formerly Neymar, Benzema was signed to a long-term promotional agreement. With the PIF holding his global image rights under the deal, Benzema is obligated to represent the kingdom at major sporting showcases, such as Ronaldo’s recent appearance at the Esports World Cup, while agreeing not to play for clubs outside the Saudi Pro League. With the forward intending to honor those commitments, a return to European football is off the table despite his free agent status. Retirement becomes an increasingly likely path for Benzema While negotiating his exit terms with Al Hilal, Al Shabab emerged as a potential destination, initially exploring a loan arrangement before offering a permanent contract once Benzema hit free agency. However, Benzema declined the offer from the Saudi club, leaving retirement as an increasingly probable next step. At 38 years old, Benzema would be 43 by the time his ambassador contract expires in 2030, effectively closing the door on playing again in Europe or another foreign league unless the agreement is restructured. Although the primary Saudi transfer deadline has passed, domestic clubs retain the ability to sign free agents, leaving his active playing career at a crossroads.
Arsenal considered a bid for Chelsea striker Joao Pedro (Picture: Getty) Arsenal put Chelsea striker Joao Pedro on their longlist of possible transfer targets over the summer but decided against making an official move. Mikel Arteta was open to signing a new striker after Viktor Gyokeres’ mixed first season at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were ready to sanction a huge bid for Julian Alvarez but the Atletico Madrid striker was reluctant to return to the Premier League and had his heart set on a move to Barcelona. Arsenal of course had the chance to make a move for another striker and bosses at the north London club expressed interest in Chelsea’s Pedro. Exclusive Premier League previews Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free. The Brazil international enjoyed a promising first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, and has netted two goals in four games so far this season. Pedro was less influential in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday as the Gunners climbed back to the top of the table and ended the Blues’ perfect start to the new season. A number of pundits still view Pedro as one of the best strikers in the Premier League and the 24-year-old has many ‘admirers’ at Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty) But Arsenal decided not to move for Pedro as there were ‘concerns’ over how the Brazilian would fit into Arteta’s system at Arsenal, according to BBC Sport. Pedro, who was heavily linked with Barcelona earlier in the summer, views Arsenal defender Gabriel as the ‘toughest’ opponent he has come up against in the Premier League. ‘The toughest defender to play against this season? Top three: Willian Pacho and Jonathan Tah, but Gabriel Magalhaes was the toughest in my opinion,’ the attacker told TNT Sports Brasil back in May. Arsenal wanted to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid (Picture: Getty) ‘I was surprised by his speed, but I gave him a hard time, too! He’s been inspired this season.’ Meanwhile, Michael Owen believes Manchester United should have launched a move for Pedro years ago as he has always been a ‘huge fan’ of the Chelsea star. Asked to name Arsenal’s biggest rival for the Premier League title this season, Owen told The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: ‘Chelsea. ‘This could be way off the mark but they’ve got no Europe at all and you see how important that has been over the years. It was brilliant for Manchester United last year. ‘This manager [Xabi Alonso] did something similar with an unfancied team in Germany [Bayer Leverkusen], he’s going to change a lot, they’ve bought well. ‘I’m a huge Joao Pedro fan, I think he’s unbelievable. In fact, Manchester United should have bought him about four years ago when he was at Watford. ‘United had nobody up front for years and I thought, “That Joao Pedro”, I love him.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Arsenal were a bit clunky last time out against Aston Villa, while I love what Xabi Alonso is doing at Chelsea. It's strange because I had a look at how his Bayer Leverkusen side lined up when they won the Bundesliga, and they were pretty dominant possession-wise. Arsenal are so powerful and the only question mark around them is if they are a forward or two short.
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