The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea have begun negotiations with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq to recruit midfielder Harvey Vale. A “close” agreement has been reached between the two clubs; nonetheless, the player’s desire to move will ultimately determine the conclusion of the transfer.

The 20-year-old Vale made 39 League One appearances during his loan spell with Bristol Rovers last season. After spending lavishly again this summer, Chelsea has decided he is no longer needed and will treat any proceeds from his sale as pure profit. This will help them comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Reportedly, Al-Ettifaq have made Vale a “key target” in their pursuit of a better Saudi Pro League season than last year’s sixth-place showing. Nothing suggests that Vale is considering relocating to Saudi Arabia.

The nimble youngster’s current Chelsea deal has one year remaining, and an additional year can be added if desired. After earning his debut in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, he went on to lead England to victory at the Under-19s Euros the following year, demonstrating promise.

However, Vale is no longer considered a starter by Enzo Maresca’s squad, despite an outstanding loan stint at Bristol Rovers. Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku, and Ben Chilwell are just a few of the club’s many misfits who he has been working with instead.

According to FourFourTwo, this is a step that could end up being good for everyone involved. If Vale stays in England, he would probably sign with a Championship club, and he will not play for Chelsea. He may return to the Premier League in the long run if that happens, but he also has the option of joining Gerrard in Saudi Arabia, where he may achieve success while still receiving a substantial salary.