Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly tendered his request to leave Manchester United, Chelsea have been in the run to land the Portuguese star. Now Thomas Tuchel has added more to the rumour in his recent interaction with Chelsea fans.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly met with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes last month, which has further increased the possibility of Ronaldo’s move to Stamford Bridge.
Ronaldo has reiterated his wish to leave United by not joining the squad on the preseason. The mercurial striker wants Champions League football, which United cannot provide.
On the other hand, Chelsea are on the hunt of a forward of Ronaldo’s calibre who can put the ball into the back of the net more often. The Blues have let Lukaku rejoin Inter on loan after a disastrous season where he only managed 15 goals in 43 games.
Thomas Tuchel hints at Ronaldo transfer
Chelsea are currently in the USA for their preseason tour. While on the tour, Tuchel was asked by a Blues fan about the club’s transfer plan for Ronaldo. Tuchel’s reply has left the fans wondering whether Chelsea have set in motion their plan to land Ronaldo.
In the footage shared by a Chelsea fa, Tuchel is being asked, “Do we sign Cristiano Ronaldo?”. The Chelsea boss with a grin replied, “I will not tell you.”
The grin might suggest that Chelsea are well on track to launch a move for Ronaldo. The forward scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, exactly the kind of spark Chelsea are missing.
However, Tuchel is said to be also concerned by a potential deal for Ronaldo. The German feels Ronaldo’s presence in his side would take away the identity of his system. Tuchel wants to play fluid football with his team, opposite to what the 37-year-old is familiar with.
Nonetheless, Boehly is believed to be head-over-heels for a transfer for the United star. Moreover, United have accepted their defeat in keeping Ronaldo and are ready to let him go for a fee as minimum as £13 million.
Chelsea are therefore preparing an offer of £14 million for the Portuguese captain according to various reports. On the other hand, they have closed a £55 million deal for Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling
Boehly is now expected to move for Ronaldo with an official offer. Further on, the Blues are also chasing City’s Nathan Ake and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt this summer.