A potential transfer to Chelsea for Cristiano Ronaldo remains highly unlikely as Manchester United expect the star to stay at Old Trafford, according to reports.
The 37-year-old was reportedly offered to Chelsea after Todd Boehly, the Blues chairman and co-owner, met with super agent Jorge Mendes.
Ronaldo netted 18 goals in the Premier League last season as Manchester United missed out on Champions League football and his entourage have discussed a move with Boehly.
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However, Ronaldo previously expressed his desire to stay and work under Erik Ten Hag next season at Old Trafford.
“I was and still am very happy to be here,” he said.
“I know (Ten Hag) did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he’s an experienced coach but we need to give him time and things need to change the way he wants.
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“I hope we have success. I wish him the best. We are happy and excited. Let’s believe that next year we are going to win trophies. I believe that Manchester (United) will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time but I still believe.”
However, this is not the only reason that Ronaldo will not be joining Chelsea.
As reported by the Telegraph, a deal is extremely unlikely to happen.
The report states that it is unclear whether Thomas Tuchel’s side have expressed any interest in signing Ronaldo, with Mendes offering the Portuguese star to the Blues.
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A deal is said to be ‘highly unlikely’ as Chelsea are targeting other names in attack but Ronaldo was discussed alongside other players between Mendes and Boehly.
Romelu Lukaku is set to depart Stamford Bridge, with an announcement pending for a season-long loan move to Inter Milan as he puts an end to a tough first season at Chelsea.
Everton attacker Richarlison is the latest name to be linked with a move to Tuchel’s side as he plans his summer rebuild.
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Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele are of interest to Chelsea in the attack, while target Christopher Nkunku has penned a two-year contract extension at RB Leipzig.
However, Chelsea have been dealt a blow in any pursuit for Dembele as his entourage admitted that he wishes to stay at Barcelona, despite his contract expiring at the end of June.
They declared: “Dembele wants to stay because the coach loves him, the player feels happy in Barcelona and is used to it.
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"He is in his prime years, hence, the club's offer should not be far from the other offers we have."
Therefore, Chelsea may have to turn their attention to other targets.
These could potentially be some of Mendes’ clients, even if the Ronaldo transfer is deemed unlikely this summer.
Mendes represents the likes of AC Milan's Rafael Leao, Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri and Ruben Neves and Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Cristiano Ronaldo, Transfers, Manchester United, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms