Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich last summer (Picture: Reuters)
Premier League chiefs have demanded proof that Chelsea are not owned by Saudi Arabia with three stars ‘on the verge’ of joining the Saudi Pro League.
N’Golo Kante has just moved to Al-Ittihad on a free transfer after his Chelsea deal expired and he will soon be joined by a number of his former team-mates.
According to reports, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy are all about to head out to the Middle East.
Koulibaly will join Al-Hilal, Ziyech is heading to Al-Nassr and Mendy is on his way to Al-Ahli after agreements were reached yesterday and their contracts are now being prepared.
The exodus of players swapping west London for the Middle East has caused concern.
According to The Telegraph, Premier League chiefs asked Chelsea to provide them with proof that the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) was not part of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover last summer.
Chelsea have since provided Premier League chiefs with the necessary proof – and they are believed to be satisfied that there are no conflict of interests.
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Speaking last summer, Boehly spoke about Saudi-owned Newcastle United and felt they were now part of the Premier League’s ‘big seven’ due to their newfound spending power.
A Saudi-backed consortium completed a £300m takeover of Newcastle in October 2021 and Eddie Howe’s side secured a fourth-placed finish last season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have spent £653.7m on 20 players since Boehly came in as co-owner and replaced Roman Abramovich.
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Three Chelsea stars are moving to the Saudi league…