Romelu Lukaku, the Belgian striker, has reportedly rejected an approach from Saudi Arabian clubs, choosing instead to continue his career at Inter Milan. This news comes amidst reports of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
According to journalist Davide Stoppini of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lukaku is keen on a long-term stay at Inter and is crucial to manager Simone Inzaghi’s plans for the upcoming season. It was earlier reported that Al Hilal representatives met with the Belgian striker, but the 30-year-old is pushing to remain in Nerazzurri colours.
Edin Džeko, another key player for Inter, is expected to leave for Turkish side Fenerbahçe this transfer window. Inzaghi sees Lukaku as the best possible replacement for the Bosnian up front. In a recent meeting, The coach conveyed his plans to club owner Steven Zhang. While they are pursuing the signatures of Davide Frattesi and Kalidou Koulibaly, Lukaku remains patient as optimism is growing on either side to extend his stay at Inter.
Chelsea, Lukaku’s current club, aren’t expected to keep the Belgian under their payroll and they are also looking to find a definite solution to the issue. Lukaku will be happy to pick his form up and reignite that attacking partnership with Lautaro Martinez which helped Inter clinch the Scudetto in the 2020-21 season.
On the other side, Al-Hilal had reportedly offered Lukaku an enormous deal. The Belgian striker’s future at Chelsea became uncertain after he spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Inter Milan. According to The Guardian, the deal offered to the 106-cap international by the Saudi Pro League club is worth a whopping £20million per season.
However, Lukaku prefers a return to Inter, with representatives from the Serie A club set to talk with Chelsea over a potential loan move this week. Other players such as Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are also believed to be on the radar of Saudi clubs, while N’Golo Kante is understood to have had a medical at Al-Ittihad.
