Al-Hilal could well be dealt yet another huge blow in this summer’s transfer window as a Premier League side have reportedly entered discussions for one of the Saudi side’s number-one targets.
According to the French outlet Foot Mercato, Chelsea are considering entering the race for the 30-year-old midfielder this summer. Verratti has been told he is free to leave the French giants.
As with several of PSG’s current and former stars this transfer window (Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé) the Italian international has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, as part of the Gulf state’s lucrative offensive on European football this summer.
Mbappe and Neymar have been heavily linked with Al-Hilal this summer although it seems unlikely that either player will make the move to the Saudi side.
Verratti on his way to Chelsea
The Italian midfielder has been the subject of an offer from the Saudi side, with the offer for the Italian midfielder believed to be around €45 million according to Fabrizio Romano but that offer was rejected by the Parisian side with the Ligue 1 champions demanding a lot more.
However, the report from Foot Mercato states this morning that the Euro 2020 winner is keen to stay in Europe.
Chelsea have now emerged as a potential destination for the 30-year-old. Verratti, who has a record nine Ligue 1 titles and 419 appearances with PSG, is under contract for another three years.
After seemingly missing out on Moises Caicedo to Liverpool, Chelsea may well be in the market for a deep-lying midfielder and Verratti could be that man that they are looking for.
Whether Mauricio Pochettino would be interested in reuniting with the midfielder that he had in Paris remains to be seen.
Al-Hilal will be hoping that the English side will turn their attention elsewhere with Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia high on the list of Chelsea’s targets. This is after they made a £48 million offer for the Belgian according to David Ornstein.