Carlo Ancelotti has requested that Real Madrid launch a move to bring Karim Benzema back to the club from Al-Ittihad.

Benzema is keen to quit the Saudi Pro League side just six months after leaving Real Madrid for the Middle East, with the forward’s fallout with management at Al-Ittihad having led to speculation over an exit.

The 36-year-old has scored 15 goals in 24 appearances for the Saudi side this season, though the Pro League champions have endured a difficult defence of their title and sit seventh in the table.

Benzema’s interest in an exit has created rumours regarding a potential move to the Premier League, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United each linked with signing the Frenchman as the trio seek a proven goalscorer this month.

However, Spanish outlet Sport is reporting that Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has asked president Florentino Perez to bring Benzema back to the Bernabeu.

Benzema scored 346 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid, the second-highest total in club history, during a decorated spell with the Spaniards and won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 after leading the side to La Liga and Champions League triumphs. He scored 31 goals in all competitions last season, including his final with Los Blancos.

Real Madrid failed to sign a long-term replacement, with Joselu joining on loan from Espanyol. The 33-year-old has scored just five times in La Liga this season.

Another of Benzema’s former clubs, Lyon, is reported to be interested in signing the forward this month. Benzema came through the academy at Lyon, and the club is keen to re-sign the former favorite following a disastrous campaign that has seen the seven-time French champions battle against relegation in Ligue 1.