Premier League sides circle as Arthur Theate’s move to Saudi Arabia stalls

Arthur Theate (24) had looked all set to join Al-Ittihad from Stade Rennais. However, with only the fineprint of the move to be completed, the transfer looks to have broken down, as L’Équipe report.

Two years after making the move to Rennes from Italy in a €20m deal, Theate was set to depart the club. Les Rennais looked to have recopued most of what they had spent on the Belgian, agreeing an €18m deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. However, just as that agreement was essentially reached, the deal began to break down, amid infighting at the Saudi side.

This in-fighting has jeopardised the deal, to the extent that it now looks unlikely that Theate will join Al-Ittihad. There are even question marks now surrounding the appointment of Stefano Pioli as manager.

Premier League sides are looking to benefit from the uncertainty surrounding Theate’s move to Al–Ittihad. L’Équipe understands that several English clubs have made contact with the Belgian’s representatives in recent hours in order to advance a deal.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle