Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he initially struggled to acclimatise to the intense heat and different training schedules in Saudi Arabia following his departure from Manchester United. Several top players from across Europe have been heavily linked with moves to the Middle East this summer, including Thiago Silva, N'Golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku.
Following an explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan in November, the Red Devils and the 38-year-old striker parted ways. Naturally, a handful of the wealthiest clubs in Europe were rumoured to be interested in Ronaldo – one of which being Chelsea – but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Al-Nassr instead.
Since his arrival in the Middle East, Karim Benzema has flocked to the Saudi Pro League too. Lionel Messi was said to be close to taking a bumper deal with Al Hilal but he jetted off to the United States instead, penning a two-and-a-half year deal with Inter Miami – who are owned by David Beckham.
With Saudi Arabia looking to get their hands on more of Europe's big names, a few Chelsea stars could be tempted by the lucrative deals which are being dished out. But, Ronaldo has warned anybody who decides to follow him must be prepared for the climate shift.
"The biggest difference I have found in Saudi is obviously the heat and adapting schedules to train later in the day when it is cooler," the Portugal international told LiveScore. "But I have really gotten used to that now. The fans here have been incredible to me, welcoming me, and those that follow me to continue on this amazing journey."
Multiple unnamed clubs from Saudi Arabia are interested in signing Silva and have made contact with Chelsea, football.london understands. The veteran defender signed a 12-month extension at Stamford Bridge in February and looks unlikely to leave west London.
As for Kante, the 32-year-old will become a free agent at the end of this month unless he signs a new deal in the next two-weeks or so. In the official Premier League retained list ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, it claims that the Frenchman has an offer on the table, but for now it remains to be seen where his future lies.
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Ziyech could joining Ronaldo at Al Nassr. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi club are 'advancing' in negotiations with the Moroccan playmaker.
With regard to Lukaku, he faces a far more complicated future at Chelsea. According to The Telegraph, the striker turned down the chance to play in the Saudi Pro League next season as he would rather a loan at Inter Milan, where he spent last season.
The report states the Blues have denied Lukaku a return to the San Siro, leaving him 'frustrated' especially with no other notable interest from major European clubs.
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