Chelsea interest prompts SHOCK U-turn from PSG star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 10 Aug 2023 21:48 BST
• 4 min read

Marco Verratti has had a change of heart regarding his move to Saudi Arabia and Chelsea are keen on the Italian, according to French media.

The 30-year-old has been told that he is surplus to requirements by Paris Saint-Germain after he appeared to be close to a move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal, who are also interested in Neymar and who saw their €300 million offer for Kylian Mbappe rebuffed by the Frenchman, have been in talks with PSG for a while regarding Verratti.

Personal terms didn't seem like an issue. On the contrary, Verratti was said to be keen on the move after more than a decade in the French capital. PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi was only prepared to sell at the right price, however, and so the move hit a roadblock.

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Now, the Italian wants to remain in Europe, and he could be off to the Premier League.

Chelsea keen

That's at least according to Footmercato, which claims that the Italian has changed him mind regarding a Saudi move. His "priority remains Europe," writes the French outlet.

"Indeed, according to our latest information," the report continues, "Marco Verratti does not wish to join the Kingdom in the Middle East, preferring to pursue his career on the Old Continent. The Spanish press had mentioned an interest from Atlético de Madrid to release him from his remaining three years, from a contract he has just extended at the end of last December."

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"We can tell you," the French outlet asserts, "that Chelsea, already very active during this transfer window, are interested in the services of the 30-year-old Italian to strengthen a midfield decimated by departures."

While signing Verratti doesn't seem like an obvious choice for a Chelsea side desperately pursuing a deal for Brighton star Moises Caicedo, the move would make sense given his experience and expertise. Moreover, Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan of the midfielder, having coached him for a year during his PSG days.