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N’Golo Kante’s impending departure from Chelsea for Al-Ittihad and the prospect of several colleagues following him to the Middle East has thrust Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in football under the spotlight.

The potential flow of players from the big-spending Stamford Bridge club to the Gulf state has raised eyebrows in recent days amid allegations that the move could be a ploy to help it meet Financial Fair Play requirements.

Wolves captain Ruben Neves is close to a £47million move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

The 26-year-old midfielder has been expected to leave Molineux this summer and is poised to become the latest high-profile player to move to the Middle East, the PA news agency understands.

The Premier League fixtures have been released and an action-packed 2023-24 awaits. 

Manchester City will be looking to lift the title for the fourth season running but Arsenal are expected to challenge the Treble winners every step of the way. 

Manchester City will begin their bid for a record fourth consecutive Premier League title away to Vincent Kompany’s Burnley.

The Treble winners visit Turf Moor to face their former captain’s newly-promoted side on the evening of August 11 to raise the curtain on the 2023-24 campaign.

The Premier League fixtures announcement has thrown up some intriguing Matchday 1 encounters.

Vincent Kompany’s promoted Burnley will host his former club and Treble winners Manchester City, while fellow new boys Luton visit Brighton and Chelsea welcome Liverpool.