Saudi spenders Al Ittihad want Arsenal and Man Utd transfers as well as Mo Salah

Al Ittihad are reportedly keen on nabbing Arsenal’s Gabriel and Manchester United s Raphael Varane in their search for a talismanic defender.

The Saudi Pro League champions have already played a major part in the Saudi revolution after previously welcoming Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Chelsea star N’Golo Kante and Liverpool ace Fabinho to the club.

And reports from various outlets have already claimed that Liverpool are set to receive a £129million bid from Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah.

It’s said that Salah would become the highest-paid player in the country and the Reds would receive £85m up front and an additional £44m in add-ons, eclipsing Al-Hilal’s current £77m record Saudi transfer for PSG’s Neymar.

READ MORE: Matheus Nunes refusing to train with Wolves in bid to force Man City transfer

According to CBS Sports, Al Ittihad are also in the market for a marquee centre-back as they prepare to make an impact at the Club World Championships. Former Real Madrid and PSG defender Sergio Ramos has emerged as an option, with the 37-year-old still a free agent after leaving the Parc des Princes at the end of last season.

But in another risk to Premier League clubs, the Saudi champions have also expressed an interest in Gabriel and Varane, even though it’s said those moves have been to ‘no avail’.

Do you think Gabriel or Raphael Varane will head to Saudi Arabia this summer? Let us know in the comments section.

It’s been a frustrating start to the season for Gabriel after he was left on the bench for all three of the Gunners’ opening Premier League games and was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw against Fulham on Saturday (August 26).

Varane netted United’s winner in their 1-0 opening day win against Wolves, but since then the Frenchman has also struggled. He was withdrawn at half-time during the Red Devils’ 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with United 2-1 down at the time. 

But Varane seemingly moved to confirm he will stay at Old Trafford this summer after previously posting a picture of him kissing the United badge on Instagram, captioning the post with a love heart.

Another potential sticking point in any deal for Varane would be the lack of time or manoeuvrability Erik ten Hag has in the transfer window as he still seeks to offload Harry Maguire in the heart of defence. United are refusing to allow their former club captain to leave on loan.

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