MX23RW : Thursday, November 21 11:51:58| >> :120:56534:56534:

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku 'holds talks with Al-Hilal'

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku 'holds talks with Al-Hilal'
© Reuters
Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku is reportedly presented with the opportunity to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

Al-Hilal have reportedly made an approach to sign Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku.

Despite having just over three years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, there is little prospect of the 30-year-old ever representing the Blues in the future.

Lukaku lasted just the first year of his five-year contract before returning to Inter Milan on loan, where he contributed 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions during 2022-23.

The Champions League runners-up have publicly acknowledged that they intend to hold discussions with Chelsea in a bid to reach a compromise over his future.

However, while Chelsea would happily cash in on the Belgium international if they receive a realistic offer, Inter are not in a position to meet such demands on a permanent basis.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on April 18, 2023© Reuters

In theory, that may lead to somewhat of a stand-off, with all parties aware that Lukaku would prefer to continue at San Siro if he is to ply his trade in Europe next season.

That may not necessarily prove to be the case, though, with GOAL reporting that Lukaku is the latest target of Saudi Arabian clubs looking to transform their league.

Karim Benzema moving to Al-Ittihad to go head to head with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr has strengthened its clout, along with the eye-watering lucrative deals that are on offer.

More notable players will follow Benzema in due course, Lukaku seemingly on that list with Al-Hilal looking to shake off the disappointment of missing out on Lionel Messi by signing a different high-profile attacker.

Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku during Croatia game at World Cup on December 1, 2022.© Reuters

The report suggests that last season's third-placed side are willing to offer Lukaku a contract worth €50m (£42.9m) across the next two years.

Lukaku is said to have already held discussions with Al-Hilal representatives on Monday and is interested in taking the opportunity that has been presented to him.

Much may depend on Chelsea's stance on Lukaku, it being claimed that the Premier League giants currently expect to recoup in excess of €50m even though any offer made by Al-Hilal is likely to trump that of Inter.

Although Al-Hilal are allegedly reluctant to meet those demands, it is not expected to lead to them backing off in the pursuit of Lukaku with a compromise over a fee still plausible.

ID:516163:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4597:

Romelu Lukaku future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Romelu Lukaku

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Brazil's Neymar pictured during training on November 20, 2022
Read Next:
Saudi Arabia clubs to rival Chelsea for Neymar?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!