Hudson-Odoi could be next to leave Chelsea for Saudi project
While Mount continues to attract the interest of Manchester United, and Kai Havertz prepares to join Arsenal, while Mateo Kovacic heads for Manchester City, most of Chelsea’s sales this summer have been to clubs in the Saudi Pro League. It now looks like another name could follow N’Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.
As has been reported, a move to Saudi Arabia is certainly an option for Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. But nothing has been decided just yet. Hudson-Odoi is assessing his future and may prefer to stay in Europe. Despite a relatively underwhelming loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old.
Keep an eye on Brentford and Fulham. Crystal Palace and West Ham have also enquired. Newcastle are a historic suitor, but not currently considering a move.
There is also some initial interest from Atalanta.
It’s no surprise another Chelsea player is linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. PIF’s dealmakers realise there are a range of Chelsea assets available and have purposefully explored deals in bulk. This is the advantage of PIF representing four clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr). It allows far more business to get done. Chelsea are certainly open to a Hudson-Odoi sale.
Arsenal set asking price for Balogun, but Nketiah more likely to stay
There is a very real chance Folarin Balogun will be sold this summer. Arsenal’s long-standing plan has always been to bring the American international forward back from his loan at Reims, where he scored an incredible 21 Ligue 1 goals, and then assess, including taking a look at him during pre-season.
But Balogun did so well at Reims – and won the CONCACAF Nations League with America, scoring in the final – that he now wants regular game time, and it’s hard to believe there wouldn’t be plenty of opportunities for him to get just that.
Balogun is also not prepared to go out on loan again. This changes things, and means Arsenal may well end up selling. Arsenal would be looking for around £30-35m. Crystal Palace are one club to watch. Reims know they can’t sign Balogun again or get another loan.
There is also plenty of speculation about Eddie Nketiah’s future. I actually think it far more likely he’ll stay at Arsenal this summer. He only signed a new long-term deal last year.