The latest OBSCENE offer for Romelu Lukaku

Tom Weber

• 15 Jun 2023 12:42 BST
• 3 min read

Romelu Lukaku has reportedly rejected an approach from Al-Hilal because he wants a bigger salary.

The Saudi giants and record Asian Champions League winners are targeting some huge names after missing out on Lionel Messi and a disappointing season both domestically - finishing third in the Pro League - and internationally - losing to Urawa Reds in the ACL final.

One of the high-profile players they are reportedly after is Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has had a weird season on loan at Inter, at times showing some of the brilliance he used to be known for, at others, however, playing like the Chelsea flop of the year before last.

Nevertheless, Inter are said to be open to keeping the 30-year-old around, but only on loan. A permanent move at Chelsea's asking price is, at this point, out of the question. The Blues, for their part, have no interest in merely temporarily getting rid of the player again; they want him gone for good.

This dispute has given the Saudis a window of opportunity that may be attractive to Lukaku - but only at the right price.

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Lukaku wants huge salary

According to Footmercato, the striker has rejected an approach by Al-Hilal that would have seen him earn €20 million per year. The reason behind this is that he won't move to the Pro League unless he is paid at least €90m per year.

This divergence is likely informed by the ridiculous money being handed out to other stars moving to Saudi Arabia right now. Karim Benzema is said to earn more than €100 million annually at Al-Ittihad, while Lukaku's Blues teammate N'Golo Kante has reportedly been offered a similar deal by the champions.

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Lionel Messi would have earned between €400m and €600m per annum at Al-Hilal, so Lukaku seems to be well within his right to ask for more money to be the Riyadh giants' main man.