SAUDI ARABIA: Romelu Lukaku, the Chelsea forward, who spent the 2022–2023 campaign on loan at Inter, travelled to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with Al-Hilal representatives, according to reports. A two-year deal worth a total of €50 million (£43 million/$54 million) has been extended to Lukaku by the Saudi club.
Lukaku’s loan agreement with Inter has ended, and he must return to Chelsea. The Italian powerhouses reportedly lack the funds to recruit him on a permanent basis, but incoming Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly willing to give the striker another shot at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku is open to switching to Al-Hilal, and he wants to be well-compensated before negotiating higher compensation with the team, according to reports.
Reports also claim that Chelsea is willing to sell Lukaku for €50 million, but Al-Hilal will need to conduct separate talks with the club. Chelsea is open to a compromise, but Al-Hilal is aware of their reluctance to pay that much.
Chelsea attacker Lukaku is considering staying at Inter, who reached the 2022–23 Champions League final but lost to Manchester City. However, Inter may struggle to retain him for another year.
Ronaldo’s record-breaking move to Al-Nassr in December has led to more prominent players in the Middle East, with Karim Benzema joining Al-Ittihad and N’Golo Kante on the verge of a transfer to the Saudi Pro League champions.
According to reports, the Blues need at least £40 million in order to part ways, enabling Al-Hilal to consider coming up with a better offer.
Inter, despite their financial struggles, are eager to strike a deal with Al-Hilal. Steven Zhang, Inter’s president, expressed his love for Inter and his willingness to speak with Chelsea, as Al-Hilal is bound by a contract.
Also Read: Ronaldo’s Debut Season in Saudi Arabia Falls Short as Al-Ittihad Clinches League Victory
