Chelsea Decide Against Signing Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has lost his main option for a move away from Manchester United this summer, with Chelsea deciding against an offer.

Ronaldo decided that he wants to leave United in order to continue playing in the Champions League, although he reportedly didn't tell the club until after they'd paid him a bonus.

There isn't many obvious options for the 37-year-old, despite scoring 18 goals in the league next season and the fact he's willing to take a pay cut.

Chelsea were considered one of his most obviously destinations, with new owner Todd Boehly even holding a meeting with the player's agent, Jorge Mendes.

However, the Blues interest in the former Real Madrid forward was always reliant on manager Thomas Tuchel giving the green light for a bid.

According to the Athletic, and Fabrizio Romano, Tuchel has decided against adding Ronaldo to his squad, leaving any transfer dead in the water and the striker looking for another option.

Cristiano Ronaldo of during the UEFA Champions League, round of 16, 1st leg football match between Atletico de Madrid and Manchester United. (Alamy)

The Blues have lost record signing Romelu Lukaku this summer, with the Beligan returning to Inter Milan on a loan just one year after moving from the Nerazzurri.

But Tuchel clearly believes he has enough options to play in the front line, especially with the addition of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City on Wednesday.

They also have the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount who play across Tuchel's chosen front three formation.

The west London club are now focusing on strengthening their defence, after Andreas Christiansen and Cesar Azpilicueta left in the summer, with Kalidou Koulibaly expected to join soon, whilst Nathan Ake and Presnel Kimpembe are also on the radar at Stamford Bridge.

Koulibaly is expected to join Chelsea from Napoli (Image: Alamy)

Ronaldo's failure to move to Stamford Bridge is the second blow to the five time Ballon d'Or winner this week, after it emerged PSG had rejected a chance to sign him.

If he does decide that playing in Europe's elite competition isn't the reason for leaving Old Trafford then he could find himself in the Middle East instead.

An unnamed Saudi Arabian club is reportedly ready to offer him £105 million-a-year, for two years, and hand over €30 million to United, which would be a profit for the Premier League side.

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