Kalidou Koulibaly ‘offered surprise Chelsea escape route after an approach from Saudi Arabia’s PIF, with centre back able to join Al-Ittihad or another club’
Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been approached by Saudi Arabia over a potential move to Al-Ittihad and may leave after just one season, reports claim.
The centre back sealed a switch to Stamford Bridge in a £34million deal last summer but endured a poor first campaign after Chelsea finished 12th in the Premier League.
Neither Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor nor Frank Lampard were able to rescue the sinking ship and Koulibaly could now be lured away by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund.
According to Sport Zone, the 31-year-old Senegal international has been offered a surprise escape route out of west London after the offer from the Middle East.
It is said that the PIF, who have invested in several clubs and hold an 80 per cent share in Newcastle, are hoping to convince Koulibaly to embrace the project.
Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly is wanted by Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, reports claim
The centre back moved to Stamford Bridge last summer but endured a miserable first season
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have approached Koulibaly and offered him a choice of clubs to tempt him to move this summer (pictured: PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan)
Al-Ittihad have been mentioned as a potential destination, although the same outlet add that the player will be able to join another club in the country should he wish.
Sport Zone believe Koulibaly is open to discussions over the potential switch.
Karim Benzema was lured to Al-Ittihad this month from Real Madrid, with a staggering £342m financial package having been tabled for the prolific striker. N’Golo Kante, Koulibaly’s team-mate at Chelsea, is also set to sign for the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo plies his trade for Al Nassr in the same division, meanwhile.
It is thought an agreement with Koulibaly is not imminent, but his future at Chelsea may be uncertain after Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as manager.
He is tied down to a contract that runs until 2026 and, in light of the turmoil of his first year in the top-flight, is said to be attracted to the Saudi Arabian proposal.
Juventus have been linked with a move for Koulibaly and he is said to be unhappy at Chelsea, meaning he may well become part of the club’s summer clear-out.
Mauricio Pochettino will shortly decide which Chelsea players can be sold in the window
Koulibaly made 32 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring two goals.
Chelsea are due to assess their bloated squad this week and new boss Pochettino will determine who can be dispensed with during the current transfer window.
Romelu Lukaku, it is understood, will be told by the club that they are happy to work with him next season, though he is expected to say he wants to leave.
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