Al-Ahli have reportedly submitted a bid to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul this summer.
The Jeddah-based side have been on the lookout for another midfielder in the summer after acquiring Franck Kessie on a permanent deal from Barcelona.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Veratti and Piotr Zielinski of Napoli are two names that have been heavily linked with a potential move to Al-Ahli in recent days.
However, it seems that Al-Ahli have different plans now after reportedly identifying a new transfer target in 2022 World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Al-Ahli’s attempts to land Zielinski from Napoli failed despite submitting a new improved bid for the Pole.
They have now opened talks with Atletico Madrid over De Paul and are prepared to launch a £28 million bid to acquire the Argentinian’s services.
De Paul joined Atletico Madrid back in 2021 from Udinese and has been a key part of Diego Simeone’s side since moving to Spain.
The 29-year-old netted seven times and provided 10 assists in 88 games across all competitions for the Rojiblancos.
He could now be set for a new destination in his career as Al-Ahli look to find the missing piece of the jigsaw in their new project.
Al-Ahli have spent over £120 million so far bringing in Edouard Mendy, Allan Saint-Maximin, Franck Kessié, Merih Demiral, and Riyad Mahrez.
The 2015-16 champions are also off to a good start in the new Saudi Pro League campaign after returning to the top flight picking up six points in their opening two games.