Cristiano Ronaldo had requested Manchester United to release him if a realistic transfer bid came through. Chelsea are now said to be leading the hunt to sign Ronaldo this summer.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel obviously wants the Portuguese attacker in his team. Ronaldo’s willingness to compete in next season’s Champions League compelled him to make the decision.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea is prepared to launch a £14 million deal for Ronaldo. According to the report, Chelsea will make a concrete offer to Ronaldo after extensive conversations between owner Todd Boehly and manager Tuchel.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is said to have met with Boehly about a prospective transfer of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Blues are on the verge of completing the £45 million purchase of Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling, and they believe that Ronaldo’s arrival will only improve their striking unit.
Both Chelsea and Ronaldo are anticipating the deal to go through, but it is expected that Manchester United would try all-out to keep the 37-year-old.
According to Marca, Manchester United are unwilling to send their best player to a Premier League competitor. According to the source, Chelsea may even give some players in exchange for Ronaldo.
Manchester United will begin their pre-season trip in Bangkok on Friday. Ronaldo will not fly with the team. Ronaldo, Manchester United’s leading goal scorer last season, was due to report for pre-season duty, but he did not, claiming “family concerns.” Ronaldo’s plea was likewise accepted by club executives.
The former Real Madrid striker joins Manchester United from Juventus before of the 2021-22 season. Ronaldo scored 24 goals in 38 games during his second tenure at Old Trafford.
He had 18 goals and three assists in the previous Premier League season.
When speaking to wettfreunde, Di Marzio mentioned how signing Ronaldo could be an appealing proposal for new co-owner Boehly, who is aiming to improve the club’s image and popularity.
“He really wants to play in the Champions League. His aim is to continue with his Champions League records,” Di Marzio said. “His agent is trying to find the best solution for him for next season. That’s why he’s talking to some clubs.
“Chelsea are entering a new era, and even if it’s ‘just’ an image deal for the new owner and chairman, this could be a topic for the whole world to talk about. He could play in the Champions League with new ’emotions and ambitions’.
“If he wants to play in the Premier League and Champions League, Chelsea is the only club at the moment. I don’t think there are other big solutions for him right now.”
