Chelsea handed triple summer transfer lifeline as Saudi Arabia eye three Blues players

Chelsea’s clear-out could be heavily aided by Saudi Arabia’s desire to sign big names from Europe this summer.

As many as 15 players could leave Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino oversees an overhaul to his Blues side who finished in 12th in the Premier League in 2022-23.

Chelsea are looking to trim their bloated squad and it will take significant transfer business to refine the first-team group, who will also welcome back several loanees including Romelu Lukaku, Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill.

Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are also both set to make switches to Stamford Bridge, adding to the pressure of Chelsea needing to offload players to ensure they don’t experience the same issues next season.

Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech are three players who face uncertain futures in west London. The Blues could be about to be offered a lifeline over the trio thanks to Saudi Arabia’s interest in Chelsea players.

Edouard Mendy

As reported by Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, Al-Ahli want to sign Mendy and are ready to offer him a three-year contract.

First contacts have already been made, with Chelsea previously reported to be prepared to allow Mendy to leave this summer after failed contract renewal negotiations.

Kalidou Koulibaly

Matteo Moretto of Relevo reports Al-Hilal want to bring the Senegal defender, who only signed a four-year deal at Chelsea last summer for in excess of £30 million from Napoli, to Saudi Arabia.

Hakim Ziyech

As reported by Foot Mercato, Al-Nassr have begun negotiations for the 30-year-old, with an initial offer already made to the Morocco international, who is also interested in making the move to Saudi Arabia.

It’s been claimed Al-Nassr’s president, Musalli Al-Muammar, will travel to London this week for discussions with Chelsea.

Who else?

N’Golo Kante is on the verge of joining Al-Ittihad after agreeing a lucrative deal once his Chelsea contract expires.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia. Four clubs are keen on acquiring the Gabon international, who is set to leave Chelsea after just one year at Stamford Bridge.

Romelu Lukaku has already reportedly rejected a move to Saudi Arabia.