Man Utd, Chelsea to miss out as dominant Prem star reaches ‘agreement’ over shock transfer, with second bid imminent
Joachim Andersen marks Aleksandar Mitrovic during Crystal Palace vs Fulham
Aleksandar Mitrovic will be the subject of a second offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, and the striker could swap Fulham for the Middle East following links with both Manchester United and Chelsea.
Mitrovic made a big impact in the Premier League last season, scoring 14 goals in 24 games to help Fulham achieve a 10th-placed finish. Mitrovic was given an eight-match ban in April for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in an FA Cup game against Man Utd, and this prevented him from getting close to the 20-goal mark.
The 28-year-old’s great form resulted in brief links with Man Utd and Chelsea, as both teams hunt for a new centre-forward. Man Utd need to replace Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial, while Chelsea must find a replacement for Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Romelu Lukaku also set to leave.
Earlier this year, Mitrovic was urged to sign for Chelsea over Man Utd as he was told he could thrive thanks to accurate crosses from Blues wing-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
In March, the Daily Star explained how Mitrovic’s interaction with Kavanagh meant Man Utd were no longer considering a swoop for him. Instead, the Serbia international may now end up in the Saudi Pro League.
On Wednesday, it emerged that Al Hilal had begun targeting Mitrovic after being rejected by Lukaku, who hopes to stay in Europe. Al Hilal opened the bidding for Mitrovic at £25.5m, but this was rejected by Fulham.
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Fabrizio Romano predicted there to be ‘more talks’ between the two sides, while Sky Sports suggested Mitrovic actually wants to leave the Prem and make the move.
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has now provided an update on the situation. Writing on Twitter, he has revealed that Al Hilal will soon ‘place a second bid’ for Mitrovic. They have been given encouragement as the goalscorer is ‘keen on the move’ and has reached an agreement with Al Hilal. Should Fulham give his exit the green light, then he will pen a three-year deal with Al Hilal.
Fulham ace could head to Al Hilal
Jacobs added that Fulham ‘do not want to sell’ their talisman. However, Al Hilal – who are managed by former Benfica and Sporting boss Jorge Jesus – will ‘test that resolve’ with an improved bid.
Romano has picked up the news and added that Mitrovic is ‘the top target’ for Jesus’ side.
As Mitrovic is 28 years old, it would be a shame if he made the move this summer. He has still has several years left at the top level, and his numbers from the most recent season show he can shine in the Prem. But it seems Mitrovic is thinking about the financial benefits. By signing for Al Hilal, he could secure his family’s financial status for years to come.
Al Hilal would actually be creating quite a strong squad if they captured Mitrovic from Fulham. They have improved their defence by landing Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea. And in midfield, they can now rely on Ruben Neves and Mitrovic’s Serbia team-mate Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Mitrovic’s Cottagers boss Marco Silva has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but he has rejected that offer to stay in England.