'Wouldn't stop me' - Enzo Maresca handed Chelsea transfer boost with major admission

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has revealed that he would be open to moving to Saudi Arabia.

Lukaku, who joined the Blues from Inter Milan for £97.5million in August 2021, has spent the last two years out on loan and was at Roma for the 2023/24 campaign. During his time at I Giallorossi, the Belgian scored an impressive 21 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.

Although Lukaku is set to return to Chelsea following the end of his season-long loan spell with Roma, his long-term future does not seem to be at Stamford Bridge with the Blues keen to offload him permanently. The 31-year-old is not expected to be short of offers this summer, with reports suggesting that Antonio Conte is keen on bringing him to Napoli while AC Milan are monitoring his situation ahead of a potential summer loan move.

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Another option for Lukaku would be joining the Saudi Pro League. A number of high-profile stars - including Riyad Mahrez, Neymar, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane - moved to the Middle East last summer and Lukaku has hinted he could become the next to join a Saudi club.

"Saudi Arabia wouldn't stop me," he told HLN. "The level will only rise there. To a much higher level than many people think. More and more footballers will tend to play there. The infrastructure needs even better, but all the major European top clubs know: 'Saudi Arabia is coming'."

Alongside this, a move back to his homeland with former club Anderlecht is an option and Lukaku has admitted he would like to return to Belgium at some point during his career.

Speaking to Belgian journalist Aster Nzeyimana, Lukaku said: "I miss my mother, my children. I left my country at eighteen. That return will definitely happen, much sooner than you might think. But now only the national team and the future matter. We have to support the players who give us and who have done a good job. I ask the media: stop throwing fuel on the fire. Let's move forward."

Chelsea want to sell Lukaku, who has two years left on his contract, on a permanent deal this summer. If they can fetch a decent sum of money, that could help new manager Enzo Maresca to strengthen his squad as he prepares to kickstart his time in charge next month.