Transfer Centre

Saudi Arabian clubs 'still pushing for Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 19 July 2023

Saudi Arabian clubs 'still pushing for Chelsea's Lukaku'

A number of Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly still waiting to agree a deal with Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku if he fails to finalise a transfer to Juventus.

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku is reportedly still attracting strong interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Over the past six weeks, the future of the 30-year-old has been a hot topic for debate, a consequence of his alleged desire to return to Inter Milan.

However, despite enjoying a season-long loan spell at his former club during 2022-23, Inter have now scrapped their interest due to Lukaku holding discussions with Juventus allegedly behind their backs.

The Belgium international is now seemingly keen to wrap up a transfer to Turin, but that can only be facilitated if Juventus are able to sell Dusan Vlahovic.

Chances of concluding a deal were complicated earlier this week when a small section of Juventus fans chanted at the club's medical facility for interest in Lukaku to be dropped.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri reacts on May 22, 2023 © Reuters

Whether that development will influence Juventus or manager Massimiliano Allegri remains to be seen, particularly when Lukaku is now said to be focused on moving to one of Inter's most fierce rivals.

If Vlahovic is sold, most likely to Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus are expected to reach a resolution with Chelsea, yet Lukaku finds himself in a position where he must consider his options.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, clubs in the Saudi Pro League are actively monitoring the situation with Lukaku's future.

Romano adds that Lukaku would prefer to remain in Europe, where he has also represented Anderlecht, West Bromwich Albion, Everton and Manchester United.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal on February 18, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, the frontman remains attentive to proposals presented from elsewhere at a time when more and more high-profile players are moving to the Middle East.

From Chelsea's perspective, they have ruled out the possibility of Lukaku being reintegrated back into the squad, predominantly to generate as much money as possible from a sale when Lukaku's valuation will only drop as his contract progresses.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed to the media in the United States on Tuesday that Lukaku will not be part of his plans, saying: "The player and club are working hard to try and find best solution.'

"It is obvious the decision had been made on the side of the player also. We act in consequence of the decision. The club and player are in the position they wanted."

Chelsea have received a boost regarding one of their other unwanted players with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the brink of signing for Marseille.