6 Chelsea Players Who Could Be Heading to Saudi Arabia After Todd Boehly’s Trip

• Chelsea are ready for a mass exodus of wanted stars to reduce their bloated squad
• The Blues signed 16 players in Todd Boehly’s first two windows as co-owners
• Saudi Arabia is a potential destination for some of the stars after Boehly met Saudi PIF chairman

Chelsea could receive help from Saudi Arabia in offloading some of their out-of-favour stars as they begin a mass exodus to reduce their bloated squad this summer.

American billionaire and co-owner Todd Boehly was in the Gulf state weeks ago to meet the Saudi Public Investment Funds chairman, with Clearlake also having a good relationship.

Sports Brief looks at six current players in the Blues first team who could be set for an adventure in the Pro League next season, including N’golo Kante.

1. N’golo Kante

The French international’s contract expires on June 30, and renewal talks dragged on for a long time with no solution. According to Tribal Football, he has completed his second medical at Al-Ittihad, and an announcement is imminent.

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2. Hakim Ziyech

The Moroccan joined from Ajax in 2023 but has been underwhelming, unable to replicate the magician tag in London. According to talkSPORT, a loan move to PSG in January failed due to late documentation but could now be heading for Al-Nassr.

3. Kalidou Koulibaly

The veteran defender joined from Napoli last summer but failed to impress in his first season. He will not get a second chance as he is not in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, and Al-Hilal are interested in the 31-year-old.

4. Edouard Mendy

Mendy made an immediate impact when he joined Chelsea from Rennes. Contract talks last summer broke down, but the club are now ready to move him on. His adventure could continue in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli interested.

5. Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian forward’s return to Chelsea has not gone to plan. He spent last season on loan at Inter Milan. According to Evening Standard, he received a £16m per year salary from Al-Hilal and turned it down, but the deal could be revisited.

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6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The former Arsenal striker joined from Barcelona last summer. He rejected a move to MLS in January after he was left out of the Champions League squad. He has an interest in the Middle East to join one of the four clubs owned by the PIF.

Pochettino to stick with Kepa

Sports Brief reported that Pochettino has decided on Kepa Arrizabalaga, and the Spaniard will continue in goal as number next season regardless of a new goalkeeper joining.

He reclaimed his spot from Mendy after Thomas Tuchel’s departure, and with the Senegalese set for an exit, this will continue under a new dispensation next season.