21 June 2023 , 11:09
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Chelsea appear to have struck gold in Saudi Arabia with a number of clubs from the Gulf State willing to take a vast array of players off their hands.
The Blues are currently in the midst of a dramatic squad rebuild at Stamford Bridge. Todd Boehly’s huge spend since acquiring the London club has left them with a bloated side that struggles to fit into the dressing room.
Whilst some players could be set to move within the European footballing scene - Mateo Kovacic one of those with his impending move to Manchester City - others are electing to switch slightly further afield. Clubs from Saudi Arabia are spending heavily with a clutch of the Chelsea squad linked with moves.
Find out who those are here:
N’Golo Kante
The first of the Saudi-bound crop to have their moves confirmed, two-time Premier League winner Kante has put pen to paper on a lucrative contract with Al-Ittihad. He moves on a free transfer with his Chelsea contract coming to an end.
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Kante will reportedly earn £86m per year with the current Saudi Pro League champions, with his deal set to last four years. The French midfielder becomes Ittihad’s second big-name signing after Karim Benzema, who has already offered Kante a warm welcome.
N'Golo Kante's move to Al-Ittihad is now official (@ittihad/Twitter)Which Saudi move has surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Hakim Ziyech
Kante might not have to wait very long to be reunited with one of his former Chelsea teammates. Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech has needed a fresh start for some time and has been offered one by Cristiano Ronaldo ’s Al-Nassr.
Ziyech made just nine starts for the Blues in all competitions last term so will certainly be hopeful of more game time in Saudi Arabia. It is reported that Al-Nassr will pay £8million for his services - a huge decrease on the £33m that Chelsea paid for his services.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Whilst Kante and Ziyech have been at Stamford Bridge for a considerable amount of time, the same cannot be said of Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly. He only signed for the Blues last summer in a £33m switch from Italian giants Napoli.
His debut campaign in West London was underwhelming to say the least. Koulibaly quickly dropped down the pecking order under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
Al-Hilal, who appear close to sealing a deal for Wolves star Ruben Neves, have offered him a lucrative deal.
Kalidou Koulibaly has endured an underwhelming debut season with Chelsea (Getty Images)Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Another of the Blues’ misguided signings under Todd Boehly, the former Arsenal striker endured a disastrous return to the Premier League. The 34-year-old scored just three goals after a move from Barcelona.
The Catalan giants are reportedly keen on taking him back but they will have to beat competition from Saudi clubs first. Al-Nassr were interested in him as far back as January 2022, whilst a clutch of their domestic rivals are eyeing him this time around.
Aubameyang has not yet agreed terms on any move away from West London which has reportedly left the Blues frustrated.
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Edouard Mendy
One of the more perplexing situations at Chelsea over the past few seasons has been Edouard Mendy’s place in the squad. After arriving from Rennes in 2020, he played a key part in helping the Blues to the Champions League and was announced as the Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season, as well as the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper.
Since then, it has been a dramatic fall from grace for Mendy. He made just 12 appearances in all competitions last season.
He is set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Al-Ahli as he brings a three-year stay at Stamford Bridge to an end.
Edouard Mendy is set to leave Chelsea after three years (Getty Images)Callum Hudson-Odoi
Some will be surprised to note that Hudson-Odoi is still a Chelsea player. At the age of just 22, it already appears that he needs a fresh start.
His loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen was meant to kick-start his career but just one goal in 21 outings has seen his stock fall even further. The Blues academy graduate has been approached by a clutch of Saudi clubs, although it remains unclear over whether he will pursue a move.
Romelu Lukaku
From one loanee to another, the Blues’ record signing Romelu Lukaku was also shipped out on-loan to Inter Milan after a disappointing debut campaign with Chelsea. The 30-year-old scored 14 goals during his first season back in Italy.
Beaten Champions League finalists Inter are keen to thrash out another loan deal. They did face competition from Al-Hilal as they offered him a £20m-per-year deal.
Lukaku is not interested in a switch to Saudi Arabia though and appears set to remain in Europe for the time being.