Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku 'holds talks with Al-Hilal'

Despite having just over three years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, there is little prospect of the 30-year-old ever representing the Blues in the future.

Lukaku lasted just the first year of his five-year contract before returning to Inter Milan on loan, where he contributed 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions during 2022-23.

The Champions League runners-up have publicly acknowledged that they intend to hold discussions with Chelsea in a bid to reach a compromise over his future.

However, while Chelsea would happily cash in on the Belgium international if they receive a realistic offer, Inter are not in a position to meet such demands on a permanent basis.

In theory, that may lead to somewhat of a stand-off, all parties aware that Lukaku would prefer to continue at San Siro if he is to ply his trade in Europe next season.

That may not necessarily prove to be the case, though, with GOAL reporting that Lukaku is the latest target of Saudi Arabian clubs looking to transform their league.

Karim Benzema moving to Al-Ittihad to go head to head with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr has strengthened its clout, along with the eye-watering lucrative deals that are on offer.

More notable players will follow Benzema in due course, Lukaku seemingly on that list with Al-Hilal looking to shake off the disappointment of missing out on Lionel Messi by signing a different high-profile attacker.

The report suggests that last season's third-placed side are willing to offer Lukaku a contract worth €50m (£42.94m) across the next two years.

Lukaku is said to have already held discussions with Al-Hilal representatives on Monday and is interested in taking the opportunity that has been presented to him.

Much may depend on Chelsea's stance on Lukaku, it being claimed that the Premier League giants currently expect to recoup in excess of €50m even though any offer made by Al-Hilal is likely to trump that of Inter.

Although Al-Hilal are allegedly reluctant to meet those demands, it is not expected to lead to them backing off in the pursuit of Lukaku with a compromise over a fee still plausible.