4 Chelsea stars that could leave for the Saudi League after Boehly meets ex-director

Chelsea want to offload a number of their stars this summer as they look to balance their books and avoid breaking the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly recently travelled to Saudi Arabia to meet with the Saudi League’s technical director and former Chelsea sporting director Michael Emenalo about potential sales. 

The Saudi League made a splash in the last two transfer windows, signing players from Europe as they sought to boost the profile of their league.

Chelsea made significant sums selling unwanted assets (like Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy) to the Saudi League last summer and could employ the same strategy in the next transfer window.

Chief among potential assets they will be desperate to ship off is Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who has become more of a burden for the club since his £97 million move in 2021. 

Lukaku has a release clause worth £37 million that many European sides are not keen on paying. He rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) last summer when Chelsea tried to force him there but could find a sweet landing spot in the Gulf State this summer.

Lukaku recently hinted that he was more open to a move to the Middle East, and Chelsea would love to cash in on the centre-forward now on loan at AS Roma.

Raheem Sterling also rejected interest from the SPL last summer, but Chelsea could try to force him away after a disappointing second season in West London. 

The Blues also want to get rid of Kepa Arrizabalaga and his massive wages. His compatriot Marc Cucurella could follow him out of the door after a string of poor performances that have trailed his arrival. 

It is unclear if the SPL will show interest in these players, but it shows the club is already proactive regarding the clear-out needed this summer.

Cobham Academy graduates Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja, and Trevoh Chalobah are also on the market as Chelsea look to avoid PSR concerns by generating funds.

However, the trio are not among the players being propositioned to the SPL.