Liverpool and Arsenal among Premier League clubs worried about January transfer window and could lose stars
Liverpool and Arsenal might be waiting nervously as the January transfer window prepares to get underway in six weeks.
While many clubs will be looking to patch up any holes in the squad they might be encountering, it will give the Saudi Pro League another chance to sweep up some of the biggest names in football.
And their sights have already been set on Liverpool and Arsenal, who might have to fight to keep hold of their star players.
Mohamed Salah is the biggest player that has been eyed by Saudi Arabia, who tried to move heaven and earth to sign the Egypt international in August.
Liverpool already saw an exodus of players last summer, including Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino, who all made the move to the Gulf state.
The Reds are not alone, though, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Man City and Tottenham also batting off interest in their top stars.
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Thomas Partey is one of the big names at the Emirates Stadium who has been heavily linked with a Saudi transfer, but there could be further plots afoot.
Heung-min Son, Kevin de Bruyne and Gabriel Magalhaes were all subject to intense speculation over the summer over Middle Eastern transfers.
So, who could be on their way from London and Liverpool to Saudi Arabia this January?
Mohamed Salah - Liverpool
The Saudi Pro League have not made any secret of their desire to sign Salah as Al Ittihad launched a £150million bid to land him from Liverpool.
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The Reds stood firm and rejected their advances, but can they hold the fort one more time? Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo latest admission over Salah might give Liverpool something to worry about.
He said last month: “If anyone would like to come and there is an opportunity to work with the releasing club in a very respectful and professional manner, we would be very happy to have them.
“But yeah, Mo is my personal favourite.”
Ibrahima Konate - Liverpool
Al Ittihad tried to sign Konate in the summer but Liverpool, likely fed up of the Saudis at this point, did everything in their power to keep hold of the defender.
The Frenchman has had some injury troubles this season, though, while Saudi Pro League interest could be revived, leading to another battle for his signature.
Gabriel Magalhaes - Arsenal
There was huge talk Gabriel could leave Arsenal after Arteta left him out of the starting line-up in the first few Premier League games of the season.
Al Ittihad were strongly linked with the Brazilian, who stayed in the end, but could be the subject of yet another mammoth offer.
Thomas Partey - Arsenal
Arsenal might be facing up to allowing Partey to exit in January after a series of injury problems while Declan Rice has taken his spot in midfield.
Mikel Arteta was reluctant to let the Ghana international leave after Al Ahli tried to snap him up but the Gunners could let him go to recoup a fee on the 30-year-old.
Jadon Sancho - Manchester United
One player who might not meet much resistance over a departure is Sancho, where United are happy to let him go and has been linked with a Saudi transfer before.
If the Saudi Pro League cannot prise Salah away, Sancho might quickly become the top target with Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq interested, though other clubs are also keen, report The Telegraph.
Heung-min Son - Tottenham
The Tottenham star is one of the top targets for Saudi clubs and was the subject of intense speculation over the summer.
Ange Postecoglou would be extremely reluctant to lose his captain, though, especially after already losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.
But a huge offer could change Tottenham's mind.
Richarlison - Tottenham
While it has not been a happy season for Richarlison at Tottenham, they would still not want to see their £60m man leave and weaken the squad.
But Saudi clubs are taking an interest in the Brazilian ahead of the January transfer window, report The Telegraph, and if a big offer comes in, it would be hard for Spurs to say no.
Bernardo Silva - Manchester City
It feels almost every transfer window that Silva is linked with a move away from City and after batting down Barcelona, Pep Guardiola has a new threat.
The Portugal international will have 18 months on his contract in January and any mega-offer from Saudi Arabia could be tempting.
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Kevin de Bruyne - Manchester City
Undoubtedly one of City's best-ever players, it is no surprise to see the Belgium international linked with a move to the Middle East, one that the Premier League champions would be reluctant to sanction.
But injury concerns might change a few opinions at the Etihad Stadium and whether they could resist De Bruyne telling them he wants to leave looks a tall ask.