While Manchester City might have confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will not be completing a sensational Saudi switch this summer, the Middle East has once again attracted a host of Premier League superstars.
With Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby completing a £50million move to Al-Ittihad earlier in the week, the Frenchman is the latest Premier League superstar to join to Saudi Pro League.
Only continuing to hoover up plenty of European superstars following Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic move to the Middle East 18 months ago, the Saudi’s have proven that they are willing to break a string of financial records.
With the Saudi summer transfer window not set to slam shut until October 6th, we have taken a look at some of the other Premier League heavyweights that could be heading to the Middle East.
Ederson – Manchester City
Getting his hands on a sixth Premier League title with Manchester City last season as the Sky Blues made even more domestic history, Ederson has firmly cemented his spot as a fan favourite around the Etihad.
However, with Pep Guardiola publicly stating that the Brazilian shot-stopper could be on the move this summer, Ederson has remained heavily linked with what would be a bank-breaking Saudi switch.
While the 30-year-old might have reportedly rebuffed plenty of Middle Eastern interest last year, the former Benfica goalkeeper is desperate to get his wish over the coming weeks.
Although it might have been reported last week that the reigning Premier League champions have offered Ederson a bumper new deal to stay put at the Etihad, they appear to be fighting a losing battle.
Reportedly placing a £60million price tag on the 25-cap international star and making it clear that they will not be bullied into accepting any kind of low-ball offer, Al Nassr have placed Ederson as their standout target this summer.
🚨🔵 Pep Guardiola: “I don’t know if Éderson will stay”.
“He has to make a decision”, says via @_joebray.
Éderson already accepted Saudi Pro League move from May but no agreement on fee yet between Al Ittihad and Man City.
City insist on €50/60m to let Brazilian GK leave. pic.twitter.com/ILzWo0wuLg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2024
Richarlison – Tottenham
With continued speculation over the past week that England international Ivan Toney could be set for a potential move to north London this summer, it has been suggested that Tottenham could be looking to move on some of their attacking stars.
While Richarlison might have completed a £60million move from Everton back in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian ace has largely struggled to find his feet in the capital and could already be heading for a quick exit.
Although the one-time Watford starlet might have stated back in January that he has no intention of leaving Spurs, it appears that Richarlison has had a change of heart.
Looking to balance the books after the arrival of Leeds midfielder Archie Gray, it has been reported that the 27-year-old is interested in a move to the Middle East and sees his future away from north London.
Dealing with a handful of injury issues last season and notching just a single strike since the start of February, the 48-cap international doesn’t appear to be part of Ange Postecoglou‘s plans.
🚨🚨| NEW: Tottenham Hotspur want £60M for Richarlison after Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ahli indicated an interest in signing the player. 🇸🇦
[@TimesSport] pic.twitter.com/CehDC6QY4S
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 22, 2024
Gabriel Jesus – Arsenal
Eventually falling short once again last season as they missed out on the chance to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since 2004, Arsenal are desperate to go one-step further this time around.
While the Gunners might be set to unveil Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori this weekend, there have been plenty of speculation over who could be heading for the Emirates exit this summer.
With Mikel Arteta reportedly placing a new striking superstar at the top of his summer wishlist, it appears that Gabriel Jesus’ time in the English capital could be drawing to a close.
Omitted from Brazil’s squad for this summer’s Copa America after notching just four Premier League strikes for Arsenal last summer, the former Manchester City marksmen has plenty of question marks over his future at the Emirates.
With it suggested that the Gunners are looking to get Jesus’ salary off their wage bill, it has been reported that Al-Ahli have made their intentions clear and are keen on completing what could be a blockbuster summer swoop.
Player cam: Gabriel Jesus 🔍
Shot on Pixel 🤳 pic.twitter.com/RTI270m0jN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 23, 2024
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