Chelsea are chasing a summer deal.
Kobbie Mainoo will “almost certainly” remain at Manchester United next season if Bruno Fernandes accepted a lucrative contract offer from Saudi Arabia.
The England midfielder has been heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford due to the club’s need to raise money through player sales, and Chelsea are monitoring the situation closely.
Read: Atlético Madrid gears up for Lautaro Martínez after Champions League final
Enzo Maresca’s side were keen to finalise a deal for Mainoo in the January window and have resumed their interest, despite the imminent arrival of Dario Essugo from Sporting CP and Andrey Santos’ return from a fruitful loan spell in Strasbourg.
However, according to iNews, Chelsea are unlikely to sign Mainoo as he will “almost certainly” stay at United if Fernandes goes to the Saudi Pro League.
Ruben Amorim is “not completely convinced” by the 20-year-old, but INEOS is said to be aware that the sale of both Mainoo and Fernandes could lead to great discontent among fans.
Bruno Fernandes on his way out of Man Utd?
Fernandes has reportedly been offered a three-year contract worth €240 million by Al-Hilal, and his representatives are in intensive talks with the Saudi Arabian club over a potential summer deal.
Al-Hilal are even said to be willing to pay €120 million in transfer fees to secure Fernandes this summer, although Amorim recently expressed that he wants to keep the Portugal international.
“You see it in the performances, the leadership and the passion he [Fernandes] shows in the games. It’s really important, especially in periods like that,” Amorim told reporters during United’s Asia tour.
Read on English clubs: Jonny Evans retires after latest trip with Manchester United
“It could be seen in the last game [against Aston Villa]. I felt that the team played without pressure; They performed well and everyone wanted the ball.”
“The team has different phases, and in those phases, Bruno is the one who really takes responsibility.”
“He should do the same as captain – he is very important for us and for what we are trying to build with this team.”
