As reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has made a decision to continue playing in Europe instead of considering a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Belgian star recently completed a loan spell at Inter Milan for the 2022/23 season and is now expected to return to his parent club, Chelsea. However, his future with the London-based club is uncertain at the moment.
Romano has revealed that Lukaku has made the decision to reject a move outside of Europe this summer, despite receiving concrete interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Instead, the 30-year-old and his representatives are now focused on finding a suitable solution for his future within Europe.
Understand Romelu Lukaku has decided to continue in Europe despite important proposal received from Saudi. He’s NOT joining now 🚨🔵🇸🇦
Lukaku appreciated the effort but he’s not ready yet to leave European football. Inter have ball in their court — no agreement yet with Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/nHvTJmVPnl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 19, 2023
The striker is currently under contract with Chelsea for the next three years, but there are uncertainties surrounding his role as the club’s leading forward for the upcoming season.
Although Inter Milan is keen to extend his stay, negotiations with the Blues have yet to reach an agreement. Lukaku’s loan spell at the Serie A club in the previous season proved fruitful, with the Belgian scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances across various competitions.
Lukaku made a high-profile return to Chelsea in a £100 million transfer having previously enjoyed a successful stint at Inter Milan from 2019 to 2021, where he scored an impressive 47 league goals in 72 matches.
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However, his second spell with the London club did not live up to expectations.
Lukaku struggled to find his scoring touch, managing only eight goals in 26 league appearances, and also experienced a strained relationship with then-manager Thomas Tuchel.
As a result, he was loaned back to Italy. Lukaku made a substitute appearance in the Champions League final for Milan but failed to make a significant impact, missing a key opportunity and accidentally blocking a teammate’s shot on goal.
