‘Convince me with more money’ – Lukaku tells Saudi Arabia clubs

Reports suggest that Romelu Lukaku is poised to receive a two-year contract offer worth £43 million from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this summer.

If he accepts, Lukaku would follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United last December and Karim Benzema who joined Al-Ittihad this summer.

Lukaku’s loan spell at Inter Milan, where he helped them reach the Champions League final, is coming to an end, and he is expected to rejoin Chelsea under the guidance of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Last summer, Lukaku departed Stamford Bridge under strained circumstances, expressing his desire to leave just six months after his £98 million move to the London club.

According to reports, Lukaku met with Al-Hilal officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss the potential deal. However, it is believed that he would only turn his back on European football for a more financially lucrative offer.

Chelsea are reportedly open to parting ways with the Belgian but will demand a transfer fee exceeding £43 million, less than half of what they paid for him two seasons ago.

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Al-Hilal, on the other hand, are said to be hesitant to meet Chelsea’s asking price and plans to negotiate with Chelsea chairman Todd Boehy to lower the fee.

Following a disappointing season that saw Chelsea finish 12th in the Premier League and fail to qualify for European competitions, the club’s leadership is preparing for a squad overhaul ahead of the next season.

Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League set a precedent for European stars joining the league, with Benzema and N’Golo Kante also securing lucrative contracts with Saudi clubs.

Sadio Mane has attracted interest from Al-Ettifaq, and players like Luka Modric, Neymar, and Riyad Mahrez have been linked to moves in the Middle East. Additionally, Al-Hilal is pursuing Roma manager Jose Mourinho, who previously managed Lukaku at Chelsea and Manchester United.

During his loan stint at Inter Milan, Lukaku scored 14 goals and provided seven assists, including three goals in the Champions League journey.

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