Chelsea transfer news: Saudi Pro League club 'open talks' for academy graduate

With four days of the summer transfer window remaining, the Blues hierarchy are scrambling to get as many of the players not in the plans of Enzo Maresca out of the club as possible.

As well as wanting to avoid uninvolved squad members remaining at Stamford Bridge, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are keen to substantially reduce their outgoings given the magnitude of their relentless transfer activity.

Their preferred method of generating funds is through the sales of homegrown talent, as recently shown through the exit of Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid.

The likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja have also been lined up to move elsewhere having, as it stands, been deemed surplus to requirements.

However, it appears that a player with minimal experience in the senior ranks could bring in a previously-unanticipated transfer fee over the coming days.

Vale given chance of Middle-East move

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, who was commenting on X, Harvey Vale has been presented with an offer from Saudi Arabia.

Al Ettifaq - who are managed by Steven Gerrard - are said to have instigate discussions regarding a potential deal for the 20-year-old.

Gerrard is said to have identified as a primary target, albeit with Saudi clubs having until October 6 to complete any signings.

Mokbel adds that Vale must now decide if he is interested in the unlikely transfer with no issues expected regarding a fee.

How has Vale's career developed thus far?

To most people outside of Chelsea, it gets forgotten that the England Under-20 international has already made five appearances for the Blues senior side.

Under Thomas Tuchel, a total of 132 minutes came across outings in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, but an unsuccessful loan stint at Championship side Hull City followed at the start of 2022-23.

Last season was far more productive, the versatile youngster contributing three goals and six assists from 47 outings during his time at League One outfit Bristol Rovers.

Vale now has just one year remaining on his contract with the West Londoners, and a transfer of some kind will materialise over the coming days.

If Vale did opt to take on the challenge of moving to Al Ettifaq, he would be linking up with a team that started the new campaign with a 1-0 victory at Al Shabab at the weekend.