Chelsea transfer news: The Blues have less than four weeks before N’Golo Kante’s contract ends as pressure builds to make big decision...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has been spotted in Saudi Arabia as the Blues continue to work intensely on transfers this summer.
The American businessman has continued to come in for heavy criticism for the decisions made in the first 12 months of the takeover with Clearlake Capital at Stamford Bridge. That has only been heightened after Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte was allowed to get away.
Boehly has also come under fire for his reported attempts to buy a stake in the Portuguese side during negotiations for the player. With Mauricio Pochettino keenly awaiting more activity both in and out of Stamford Bridge, all eyes are on the club.
Now, with most players away on holiday, Pochettino preparing for Soccer Aid at Old Trafford next weekend and over a month until the pre-season tour of America starts, it appears Boehly has travelled to the Middle East.
In an image posted on social media, a fan is seen with Boehly alongside the caption: “Today we met the owner of Chelsea, Todd Boyle (sic) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically the capital, Riyadh. He assured us that the future of the club would be bright. Welcome to Saudi Arabia, Todd Boehly.”
The timing of the image may well be coincidental, however, on Tuesday it was also revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that N’Golo Kante was fielding offers from several sides in the Saudi league. He wrote on Twitter: “Saudi emissaries, in London to present an official proposal to N’Golo Kanté. Salary bid could reach €100m inclusive of the image rights & commercial deals.
“Al Ittihad and Al Nassr, on it. Kanté always gave priority to new deal at Chelsea — it was close in March.”
The Frenchman will be eligible to leave the club for free at the end of the month when his deal reaches its end. The 32-year-old has already spoken publicly of a desire to continue the progression at the club with the project on offer, but no further agreement has been made as of yet.
It is also reported in The Telegraph that Chelsea would not be willing to battle with the Saudi offers should they blow an offer out of the water financially. Chelsea are currently attempting to restructure their wage model and are aware of the long-term injury record Kante has.
With Boehly seemingly in Riyadh but the representatives going to London, it may well just be bad timing.
