Romelu Lukaku attracts Saudi interest as Todd Boehly plans to offload highly-paid Chelsea star

American owner Todd Boehly is trying to facilitate a move for Chelsea’s former £97.5million record signing to Al Hilal.

The Blues are looking to get the Belgium international off their wage bill with the 30-year-old the club’s highest-paid player.

It is believed that the former Everton marksman, who is tied down in west London until 2026, earns in the region of £325,000-a-week.

Chelsea also have talks scheduled with Inter Milan, where Lukaku spent the 2022/23 season on loan.

But unlike the 2020/21 campaign where he fired the Italian outfit to the Serie A title with 24 goals, he had a below-par term by his standards.

He chipped in with just ten top-flight goals from 25 outings as he competed for a starting spot with Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez.

And he failed to impress in Inter’s Champions League final defeat against Manchester City on Saturday night after missing a huge chance to equalise late on.

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta revealed last month how the forward was set to return to Stamford Bridge – despite Lukaku keen to remain at the San Siro.

It remains to be seen what Chelsea’a valuation is of Lukaku, and if he would be open to a new adventure in the Middle East.

But should he decide to make the move to the Gulf nation, he would be one of many high-profile players to also make the switch.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr at the start of the year when his contract was ripped up at Manchester United.

Meanwhile Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema has signed for Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad on a free transfer.

And Chelsea icon N’Golo Kante could follow Benzema to the club when his contract at Chelsea expires later this month.

If Lukaku agrees to sign for Al Hilal, he could play alongside Brazilian winger Neymar.

The Paris Saint-Germain star is being eyed up after Al Hilal missed out on Lionel Messi after he agreed to join Inter Miami.