CHELSEA failed with a late attempt to sign Marco Verratti and the PSG star is now set to join a new club, according to reports.
The midfielder has spent 11 years in the French capital but PSG are ready to cash in.
Verratti, 30, was chased by multiple high profile European clubs this summer but is now closing in on a move to Qatar.
The Italian has agreed personal terms with Al-Arabi ahead of a £38million switch, per Fabrizio Romano.
He has travelled to the Middle East to finalise the transfer, which will include passing a medical.
It is a blow for Chelsea who had tried to sign Verratti on loan, according to L’Equipe.
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Their offer was rejected by PSG who only wanted a permanent transfer.
Bayern Munich’s efforts to sign Verratti on loan were thwarted for the same reason.
While Barcelona were also keen to add the Euro 2020 winner to their ranks but could not afford to stump up a substantial transfer fee.
Manchester United were also linked with a surprise move late in the transfer window.
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But Verratti was always expected to move to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ahli favourites for his signature.
Verratti made 416 appearances for PSG and won Ligue Un nine times, and finished as a runner-up in the Champions League in 2020.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
