Premier League clubs on alert as defender’s transfer to Saudi Arabia stalls

Premier League clubs are on alert as Arthur Theate’s transfer to Al-Itthad is on the verge of falling through.

The central defender has long been on the radar of English clubs, but Premier League prospects are likely to have come away empty-handed with Theate, who had agreed to a move to the Saudi Pro League.

However, Fabrizio Romano has reported that the planned transfer of the Belgian international is on the verge of failure due to “internal complications” on the Saudi side.

Theate had a medical in Paris ahead of his transfer to the Middle East, but the Rennes defender’s future is now uncertain. Premier League clubs could capitalise on the situation as the 24-year-old has impressed in two seasons in Ligue 1.

West Ham were heavily linked with the defender before the £40million transfer of Max Kilan from Wolves was completed, with the transfer fee for Theate’s proposed move to Al-Itthad being reported to be €18m (£15.2m).

A natural left-footer who can also play as a left back, Theate ranks in the 94th percentile of defenders for progressive ball handling and 93rd percentile for progressive passes per 90 minutes in the last 12 months across Europe’s five biggest leagues.

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