Romelu Lukaku off to Saudi Arabia? Chelsea outcast ‘has said yes to millionaire proposal’ from Gulf State as Roma exit looks certain

Lukaku is currently on loan at Serie A side Roma from Chelsea after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge. After spending last season with Inter Milan, the 30-year-old has now scored 11 goals in 18 games for Jose Mourinho's side. But rather than extending his stay in the Italian capital, journalist Fabio Santini claims the Belgian international has accepted a lucrative offer to go to a Saudi Pro League team next season.

He said on TvPlay: “Lukaku? A flashback with Juve is difficult because he has already said yes to a millionaire proposal from Saudi Arabia. I say to Roma fans that at the end of the year, one thing is certain: Romelu will leave."

Lukaku's career has been on a downward curve since dropping down the striker pecking order at Chelsea following his £97.5 million ($122m) in 2021. The forward was not nearly as prolific during his loan stint at Inter last term, where he angered the Italian giants after turning down a chance to sign for them again this summer, but he is finding his feet more at Roma. If he were to move to Saudi, this would, arguably, mean he is taking a backward step with his career, given that the quality of the league is relatively weak by comparison.

The Belgian forward is likely to feature for Roma against Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday. However, he is suspended for Roma's next Serie A match against Bologna on Sunday due to a horror challenge against Fiorentina resulting in a straight red card.