Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo could be the next summer target for Premier League giants Chelsea.
The 37-year-old has recently informed the Old Trafford outfit that he wishes to leave the club because of the lack of ambition in the transfer market.
According to a report from the Athletic, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly recently held a meeting with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal. He is intrigued by the idea of signing the Portuguese international for the London club.
Understandably, the Chelsea owners want to make a statement signing, having bought the club this summer, and Ronaldo is certainly an iconic figure in the world of football.
The Portuguese international scored 24 goals across all competitions last season, but he failed to help his side qualify for the Champions League. A player of his calibre deserves to play in a team capable of winning major trophies.
Manchester United are adamant that the 37-year-old, who has one year left on his current contract, will not be allowed to leave the club, but the player recently failed to join up with his teammates for pre-season after citing family reasons.
It seems that Ronaldo has already made up his mind regarding his future at Old Trafford, and it remains to be seen whether the newly appointed Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag can convince him to stay at the club.
The Dutchman is thought to be preparing his plans with Ronaldo as the focal point of his side, and that is why the Red Devils have not invested in a quality goalscorer yet.
Ronaldo’s departure could throw Manchester United’s transfer plans into disarray at this stage of the transfer window, and it will be interesting to see how things unfold now.
The report from Athletic also claims that Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of the 37-year-old. Still, any move would be dependent on the German managing to convince Ronaldo of his plans and how the Portuguese international would fit in at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea could offer him Champions League football next season, and the Blues are certainly capable of challenging for the major honours as well.
