After a rather average 2023/24 season, Al-Ahli are looking to raid Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison respectively.
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Al-Ahli targeting Saint-Maximin replacement Richarlison and Jesus on the shortlist Coach Jaissle will scout the duo personally getty imagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Al-Ahli were one of the big spenders in the Saudi Pro League last summer after bringing in the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino and Franck Kessie to the club from top European clubs. However, they failed to show off the quality on the field and are now targeting the Brazilian duo for a move.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
As per Saudi publication Al-Riyadiyah [via The Daily Mail], Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle has asked for replacements for Saint-Maximin, who left the club on loan to Fenerbahce. As per the report, the two names on their shortlist are Jesus and Richarlison, however, the club and Jaissle are not set on just these two and are okay to move on to other targets if they do not impress the German coach.
Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Earlier in the summer, Richarlison had been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal. However, the Brazilian immediately shot down the rumours of his departure from the Premier League as he said on Instagram [via The Daily Mail]: "I left my vacation and came to work to come back better ahead of next season. Regarding what's been said in the media in the last few days, it's fake news. I will NOT leave England ahead of next season."
WHAT NEXT FOR JESUS AND RICHARLISON?
The duo were both left out of Dorival Junior's Brazil squad for the Copa America in the United States as they struggled with injury and fitness issues. However, both the Brazilians have returned to pre-season training with their respective clubs and will hope to hit the ground running.