Chelsea could make a move for Wilfried Zaha before the end of the summer transfer window as Thomas Tuchel remains ‘reluctant’ to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.
The Blues are still looking to bring in another attacker before the deadline passes, with Raheem Sterling being their only signing for the forward positions so far.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Barcelona has been the latest speculated target, with the striker working under Tuchel during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
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Chelsea are said to be closing in on a move for the 33-year-old and there is confidence that a deal could be completed.
However should a transfer not materialise, then the Blues could look at alternative targets before the window shuts next week.
According to the Independent, Tuchel’s side have ‘revived their interest’ in Crystal Palace winger Zaha, who has previously been linked with the club.
The Ivorian has just one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park, meaning the Eagles could sell him this summer.
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They have not been willing to sell one of their star players just yet and are said to have previously asked for over £80 million for the attacker.
Zaha has been keen to move to one of the ‘big six’ sides for a while, but a transfer is now dependent on whether or not his current club would allow a departure and how much they would want for him.
Ed Aarons has also reported that no move has been made for Zaha as Aubameyang is still their priority.
Earlier in the window, Ronaldo had been linked with a move to Chelsea.
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The decorated footballer has a desire to leave Manchester United this summer, despite only re-signing for them last year.
His agent Jorge Mendes is now believed to have gone back to the Blues to inquire over the possibility of a move.
However, Tuchel is said to be ‘reluctant’ to sign him.
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Chelsea were 2-1 winners against Leicester City on Saturday afternoon, with new attacking signing Sterling netting a brace as their manager watched from the stands following his FA touchline ban.
Despite the victory, Conor Gallagher was sent off in the first half for a second yellow card offence, with the Blues now having two red cards in as many games following Kalidou Koulibaly’s dismissal against Leeds United last weekend.
Tuchel spoke on their disciplinary issue after the win and said: “Don’t include mine it was after the final whistle and the other ones to be precise were two yellows, yellow-red.
“Two of them totally were unnecessary and that is part of the analysing of the situation. Twice it is absolutely not necessary and to give such a huge disadvantage we have to stop doing this. We cannot behave like this if we are on yellow cards.
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“We have to learn very, very fast. This must be the absolute exception from the rule and cannot be repeated."
Topics: Chelsea, Wilfried Zaha, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Robert Calcutt