Romelu Lukaku is set to be offered a two-year deal worth £43million from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal this summer, according to reports.
If accepted, the move would see Lukaku become the latest high-profile star to join the Saudi Pro League since legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who teamed up with Al-Nassr following his acrimonious exit from Manchester United last December.
The Belgian’s loan spell at Champions League runners-up Inter Milan will draw to a close this summer, with Lukaku set to reunite with Chelsea under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The forward left Stamford Bridge under turbulent circumstances last summer, after telling Italian reports that he wished to leave no more than six months on from his £98m move to west London in August 2021.
Lukaku reportedly met with Al-Hilal officials to discuss the deal in Saudi Arabia on Monday, although it is believed he will only turn his back on European football for a more lucrative offer.
According to GOAL, Chelsea are willing to part ways with Lukaku but will demand a transfer fee in excess of £43m, under half of that which they paid two seasons ago.
The outlet claims that Al-Hilal are reluctant to pay the Blues’ asking price and will negotiate with Chelsea chairman Todd Boehy in a bid to lower the fee.
The Stamford Bridge chiefs are preparing to overhaul their squad ahead of next season following a disastrous campaign, having finished 12th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for Europe as a result.
Ronaldo blazed the trail for European stars to join the Saudi Pro League, agreeing a lucrative deal worth £173m per year with Al-Nassr in January.
Karim Benzema called an end to his 14-year career at Real Madrid to sign an £86m per year deal with Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, and Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is poised to sign a similar contract with the club.
Bayern Munich outcast Sadio Mane became the latest high-profile player to attract interest from the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ettifaq reportedly eager to make a summer move for the ex-Liverpool star.
Luka Modric, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez have also been linked with moves to the Middle East, while Roma boss Jose Mourinho, who has previously managed Lukaku at both Chelsea and Manchester United, is being pursued by Al-Hilal.
The Belgian racked up 14 goals and seven assists during his loan spell with Inter Milan, scoring three times on the road to the Champions League final.
