After Kante, another Chelsea star linked with Saudi Arabia move; flies out to discuss Al-Hilal transfer

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has travelled to Middle East to hold talks with Al-Hilal

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who spent the last season on loan at Inter Milan, has flown to Saudi Arabia to discuss his potential move to Middle East club Al-Hilal.

According to Goal, (h/t Express) the former Manchester United and Everton forward is currently in Saudi Arabia and discussing the switch with Al-Hilal’s chiefs.

As per the report, a £21.5 million (€25 million) bid has been offered to the striker, but Lukaku is expecting the club to increase the offer. The Middle East has fast become an attractive destination for players due to the sheer money they offer.

Lukaku’s time at Chelsea seems to be coming to an end. The striker was signed in the 2021–22 season, but his poor spell at Stamford Bridge saw the Blues loan him back to Inter.

His loan stint at Inter hasn’t gone well, despite reaching the Champions League final with the club. The Belgian forward squandered a huge opportunity to keep his team from losing in the Champions League final in Istanbul last weekend, as they lost 1-0 to Manchester City.

Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino has shown no sign of keeping the 29-year-old, which could see the forward leave the Blues permanently. Chelsea’s midfielder N’Golo Kante is also close to joining Saudi Club Al-Ittihad, where he is expected to earn £86 million per year.

Meanwhile, the Blues could do with Lukaku’s departure, as it will make room for the signing of a young and top-quality striker in the summer window. We can recoup some of the fee we paid for him and free up a big space on the wage bill.

Middle Eastern clubs have used their lucrative offers to attract players like Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Chelsea shouldn’t obstruct him because his departure will balance the wages and open the door for us to begin reducing the team size.

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We need to be more prudent this time in the market to land an elite striker. Christopher Nkunku seems like he is coming on board but we have to free up space for him and make sure we make another signing in that area. Armando Broja can be loaned out while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang must leave.