Chelsea are reportedly plotting a surprise attempt to sign Karim Benzema during the summer. The Real Madrid marksman has been identified as the prime target to reinforce the Blues forward ranks after what is turning out to be an average season in the Premier League.

According to Don Balon, Benzema is said to favour a switch to the Premier League with Los Blancos prepared to replace him with a new recruit during the summer. 

Arsenal have been termed as long-term admirers for the former Lyon man, but Don Balon suggests that the Blues are supposedly leading the pursuit of the centre-forward.

Alvaro Morata has produced a mixed showing in the club's shirt since his record move from the Bernabeu last year, and there is expected to be some movement in terms of forward signings with Olivier Giroud also failing to impress.

Chelsea are facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League football for the second time in three seasons after they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

The loss sees them eight points behind their cross-town rivals with seven games in hand, and their top-four fate now lies on both Spurs and Liverpool dropping points before the end of the season.