Chelsea are still looking to offload their one-time record signing permanently, having loaned him back to Inter Milan last season
(Image credit: Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Chelsea’s mission to offload Romelu Lukaku seems set to drag on, with the striker reportedly turning down a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Lukaku spent last season back on loan at Inter Milan, having endured a disastrous return to Chelsea from the very same club.
And, while seemingly not with Inter, the Belgian’s future looks like it will lie away from Stamford Bridge – but where exactly will that be?
Lukaku scored just eight Premier League goals in his one season back at Chelsea (Image credit: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato, Lukaku has rejected the advances of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, who have held an interest in the former Manchester United and Everton frontman for some time.
The report adds that the 30-year-old is holding out for a move to Juventus – although such a deal would depend on Juve selling Dusan Vlahovic, which they may have to do as they look to make €140m (£121.4m) in profit this summer.
Lukaku rejoined Chelsea from Inter for a then club-record £97.5m (€112.3m) in the summer of 2021 but is currently valued by Transfermarkt at just €40m (£34.7m).
The Blues will have to be braced to make a big loss on that transfer; they are said to value Lukaku at £40m (€46.1m).
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Where will Belgium's all-time leading goalscorer be playing his club football next season? (Image credit: Joosep Martinson – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea are currently on a pre-season tour in the USA as they continue their preparations foe the 2023/24 campaign, but Lukaku has not travelled with the squad – a decision head coach Mauricio Pochettino agrees believes was the right one. He said: “I think both the club and player are in a position that they wanted.
“I think when you have this type of decision, it's because all agree. I think the player and the club are working really hard to find the best solution for everyone.
“The decision that we made was also decided by the players; we act in consequence of this.”
Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...
