Following discussions between manager Thomas Tuchel and co-owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea won’t be acquiring Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is believed that the American, who is a member of the ownership group that acquired the club in May, suggested bringing Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge after meeting with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, in Portugal. But after some consultation, it was decided that it was in the best interest of the club not to pursue the signature of the 37-year-old Portuguese forward.
Tuchel reportedly wants to concentrate on the team rather than an individual and feels Raheem Sterling, who was signed from Manchester City on Wednesday for £47.5 million, fits the criteria better.
There was a belief that Raheem Sterling, who Chelsea rated as a star signing and a leader in the locker room, would lose the attention if Ronaldo join the Stamford Bridge club.
The Portugal hitman is not part of Manchester United’s pre-season tour and he wants to leave the team just one year after returning since they had a difficult, unimpressive season and missed out on Champions League football.
The 37-year-old have few options left and was reportedly rejected by French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
According to reports, a club in Saudi Arabia has offered to pay him £250 million a year. Although the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo would have provided Chelsea with an enormous, immediate gain in revenue, the decision is believed to have been made for football-related reasons.
Thomas Tuchel has decided against Cristiano Ronaldo signing, as things stand. Jorge Mendes had talks with Todd Boehly but final decision has always been up to the manager. 🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
Chelsea are now focused on different deals – Tuchel isn’t keen on signing Cristiano. pic.twitter.com/Fa19FcPhNX
Leeds United star player Raphinha has joined Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona instead of Chelsea who were also close to signing him.
The Blues are now set to complete the signing of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly on a £34 million deal. Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Thomas Christensen, the Blues are also in advanced negotiations with Manchester City regarding Nathan Ake and are interested in PSG center-back Presnel Kimpembe.
Cesar Azpilicueta, the team captain, is also likely to depart for Barcelona, but only after defensive reinforcements have been added and a right-back is likely to join them. Chelsea is getting ready to offer new contracts to their players Mason Mount and Reece James and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Thomas Tuchel wants to keep them with him for a longer time and Reece James is considered a transfer target for Man City and Real Madrid.
The Blues ended last season without a single trophy and they’re ready to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the English Premier League title next season.
