Mauricio Pochettino’s attempts to reduce Chelsea’s squad numbers are gaining momentum, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy set to leave Stamford Bridge after losing his starting spot to Kepa Arrizabalaga last season. According to reports, the Senegalese star has agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ahli and will join the club on a contract until 2026. However, Mendy is not the only player believed to be on his way out of the club and heading to the Middle East, with Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly also linked with moves.
Ziyech’s move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr and Koulibaly’s switch to Al Hilal could reportedly be completed this week, according to Fabrizio Romano. Chelsea are trying to trim down their squad numbers after spending £600 million on new players since last summer. However, one player who may prove difficult to move on is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is reportedly not keen on a switch to the Middle East. The Gabon star was the subject of a £6 million bid, but he is thought to be keen on a return to Barcelona.
Another player who is thought to be keen on remaining in Europe is Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian international would prefer to go back to Inter Milan, where he spent last season on loan. However, the Serie A giants have only made the Blues another loan offer, while they would prefer to sell him. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz, Conor Gallagher, Matteo Kovacic, and Levi Colwill have all also been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge.
Edouard Mendy’s Exit from Chelsea
Edouard Mendy joined Chelsea from Rennes in September 2020 and quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, after suffering an injury in March, he lost his starting spot to Kepa Arrizabalaga. Mendy made 31 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, keeping 16 clean sheets.
Despite his impressive performances, Chelsea are reportedly looking to offload Mendy as part of their squad reduction plans. The Senegalese star has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ahli and will join the club on a contract until 2026. Mendy’s departure would leave Chelsea with Kepa and Willy Caballero as their only senior goalkeepers.
Hakim Ziyech’s Potential Move to Al Nassr
Hakim Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax in July 2020 but struggled to establish himself in the first team under Frank Lampard. However, he showed glimpses of his quality towards the end of the season under Thomas Tuchel. Ziyech made 39 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, scoring six goals and providing four assists.
According to reports, Ziyech could be on his way to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The move could reportedly be completed this week, with Chelsea looking to trim down their squad numbers. Ziyech’s departure would leave Chelsea with a wealth of attacking options, including Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Kalidou Koulibaly’s Potential Move to Al Hilal
Kalidou Koulibaly has been linked with a move away from Napoli for several years, with Chelsea among the clubs reportedly interested in signing him. The Senegalese star is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe and has been a key player for Napoli since joining the club in 2014.
According to reports, Koulibaly could be on his way to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The move could reportedly be completed this week, with Chelsea looking to trim down their squad numbers. Koulibaly’s departure would leave Chelsea with a defensive partnership of Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen, with Antonio Rudiger also an option.
Conclusion
Chelsea are looking to reduce their squad numbers after spending £600 million on new players since last summer. Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, and Kalidou Koulibaly are among the players linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, with Mendy reportedly agreeing personal terms with Al Ahli. Ziyech could be on his way to Al Nassr, while Koulibaly could be on his way to Al Hilal. However, some players, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku, may prove difficult to move on. Chelsea will be hoping to complete their squad reduction plans before the start of the new season.