After bringing N’Golo Kante to Saudi Arabia (pending official confirmation), the Saudi Arabian PIF is targeting two more CFC stars. Chelsea strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku are being courted by Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs.
The Saudi Arabian football is set to undergo a major transformation as the Saudi PIF have bought 75% stake in four Pro League clubs – Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli. The vision is to bring best players across the globe to Saudi Arabia and so far the Middle East country has been successful in bringing some of the biggest names in Europe to the Saudi League.
Cristiano Ronaldo is at Al Nassr since January. Karim Benzema and Kante will play for Al Ittihad and there are plenty of other players being linked to the Pro League. Chelsea outcast Aubameyang was linked with two Saudi Arabian clubs as Al Shabab and Al Ahli made an approach to sign the 33 year old this summer.
Chelsea forwards Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang offered deals by Saudi Arabian clubs
The Gabonese international has endured a forgetful campaign at Chelsea, playing just 961 minutes of football in the entire season. His Chelsea stay could be cut short as he could depart for Saudi Arabia after just one year at Stamford Bridge. According to Get French Football News, Aubameyang is nearing an agreement with two Saudi clubs.
Aubameyang is close to reaching an agreement with the Saudi Arabian PIF. Auabmeyang would either join Al Shabab or Al Ahli, confirming his intentions to leave CFC this summer. Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino does not count on the 33 year old and would not object to his sale.
Saudi PIF is not going to stop here as they are planning another Chelsea raid this summer. According to GOAL, Lukaku has received an offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal. The striker was loaned out to Inter Milan last season, after the Belgian failed to make a mark at Stamford Bridge in the 2021-22 season, following his €115 million move in the summer of 2021.
The 30 year old striker flew to the Middle East nation to meet Al Hilal representatives. Al Hilal have offered Lukaku a two year contract that would see him pocket a lucrative salary of €25 million per season. Lukaku doesn’t have any intentions to return to Chelsea and is open to staying at Inter Milan. However, the deal is understood to be complex because of the finances involved.
Al Hilal will have to enter talks with Chelsea over a transfer as Lukaku is still contracted with the Blues. CFC are looking to trim the squad and are willing to sell Lukaku but they will ask in excess of €50 million for the Belgian striker. The Saudi club seems reluctant to pay a big sum for Lukaku but are open to reaching a compromise with CFC.
Will Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku leave Chelsea?