Chelsea star set to snub move to Saudi Arabia

With the transfer window now in full swing, Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs appear likely to be among the busiest in the world this summer.

Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Wolves’ Ruben Neves have all agreed moves to the Middle East, while several other high profile players from across Europe have been linked with the Pro League.

Now, though, it appears that one of the most expensive players in Premier League history is set to snub a move to Saudi Arabia.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku will refuse a move to the Middle Eastern nation this summer, despite rumours linking him with a move.

Lukaku, 30, joined the Blues from Inter Milan for a fee of just under £100 million back in 2021, having scored 24 goals in 36 league games to help the Italian side to the Serie A title.

The Belgian’s return to Stamford Bridge didn’t go to plan, though, as the striker netted just eight Premier League goals all season and criticised manager Thomas Tuchel during an interview with Italian media.

Lukaku scored 15 goals during his last season with Chelsea

Former Manchester United star Lukaku, who previously spent time with Chelsea as a youngster, was then loaned back to Inter last summer.

He scored 14 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions last term, but now faces an extremely uncertain future with his loan spell coming to an end.

Romano claims that both Chelsea and unnamed Saudi clubs had attempted to persuade the Belgium international to agree to a move, but he has once again reiterated his stance and refused to join the Pro League.

It remains to be seen whether or not the striker will be a part of the Chelsea squad next season, with new manager Mauricio Pochettino set to make a huge decision on the player’s future.

Kai Havertz is expected to join rivals Arsenal in the coming weeks, which could leave the Blues short of options in attack.