Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly spotted in Saudi Arabia amid $107m N'Golo Kante transfer claim

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has been spotted in Saudi Arabia as the Blues continue to work intensely on transfers this summer.

The American businessman has continued to come in for heavy criticism for the decisions made in the first 12 months of the takeover with Clearlake Capital at Stamford Bridge. That has only been heightened after Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte was allowed to get away.

Boehly has also come under fire for his reported attempts to buy a stake in the Portuguese side during negotiations for the player. With Mauricio Pochettino keenly awaiting more activity both in and out of Stamford Bridge, all eyes are on the club.

READ MORE: Declan Rice sends Mason Mount cryptic message amid Man Utd and Chelsea transfer talk

Now, with most players away on holiday, Pochettino preparing for Soccer Aid at Old Trafford next weekend and over a month until the pre-season tour of America starts, it appears Boehly has travelled to the Middle East.

In an image posted on social media, a fan is seen with Boehly alongside the caption: "Today we met the owner of Chelsea, Todd Boyle (sic) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically the capital, Riyadh. He assured us that the future of the club would be bright. Welcome to Saudi Arabia, Todd Boehly."

The timing of the image may well be coincidental, however, on Tuesday it was also revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that N'Golo Kante was fielding offers from several sides in the Saudi league. He wrote on Twitter: "Saudi emissaries, in London to present an official proposal to N’Golo Kanté. Salary bid could reach €100m inclusive of the image rights & commercial deals.

"Al Ittihad and Al Nassr, on it. Kanté always gave priority to new deal at Chelsea — it was close in March."

The Frenchman will be eligible to leave the club for free at the end of the month when his deal reaches its end. The 32-year-old has already spoken publicly of a desire to continue the progression at the club with the project on offer, but no further agreement has been made as of yet.

It is also reported in The Telegraph that Chelsea would not be willing to battle with the Saudi offers should they blow an offer out of the water financially. Chelsea are currently attempting to restructure their wage model and are aware of the long-term injury record Kante has.

With Boehly seemingly in Riyadh but the representatives going to London, it may well just be bad timing.

READ NEXT:

Ugarte signs, Mount exit, Caicedo signs: Mauricio Pochettino's dream £228m Chelsea midfield

Mauricio Pochettino already has three Mason Mount replacements with Chelsea's £47m transfers

Mauricio Pochettino breaks silence as 20 player announcement made amid Chelsea transfer links

Real Madrid hand Chelsea perfect £68m Harry Kane transfer opportunity Mauricio Pochettino needs

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Manuel Ugarte twist, Moises Caicedo plan, Mason Mount bid

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.