Transfer News: Chelsea in prime spot to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after Bayern Munich ruling themselves out
Chelsea have received a major boost in their bid to land Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, after Bayern Munich director Oliver Kahn ruled the German giants out of the race for the Portuguese, according to Fabrizio Romano via Frank Linkesch (h/t football.london).
While speaking to Linkesch, Kahn suggested that a move for Ronaldo would be against the philosophy of the club and in the process potentially ruled Bayern out of the race for the Portuguese.
“As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest players, a move would not fit into our philosophy.”
The 37-year-old forward had told United that he would like to leave if the right bid comes in. This came amid speculations that he was not happy with the transfer recruitment of United and also his personal desire to win more trophies and play the Champions League in what could be his last few years of playing club football.
Ronaldo was amongst the goals for the Red Devils last season but they finished with an underwhelming points tally, managing to secure a sixth-place finish and qualify for the Europa League.
A transfer worth it?
Thomas Tuchel has his own set of problems. The Blues are yet to make a signing this summer, while senior players in Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Romelu Lukaku have all left. The defence, on paper, is in shambles and so is the attack.
Timo Werner is currently the only preferred striker in the team, with his form in front of the goal being a major concern for fans. We weren’t that lethal last season either and two goalless draws in regular time against Liverpool cost us two domestic cup trophies.
Ronaldo, if he arrives, could potentially solve this problem. A clinical finisher, he is deadly both on the ground and in the air. His goal-scoring records speak for themselves. At his age, we can’t expect him to be an avid presser, but he is still fit and capable of starting most games as a number nine.
The main question now is whether Tuchel sees Ronaldo in his plans for next season. The owner, Todd Boehly would love to have such a star player in his club in the first season, but he has no plans to force any player into the team. He will only go for it if Tuchel approves of it.
The Blues, meanwhile, have also been linked with Raheem Sterling and Raphinha, with the former close to completing a switch. Those two players are of a solid age profile and are astute potential signings.
More Chelsea News
- Transfer News: Barcelona want to lure Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso from Chelsea for €20M
- Chelsea make enquiry about Cristiano Ronaldo transfer situation at Manchester United
- Juventus reveal their stance regarding the transfer of Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt
It could be interesting to see what Tuchel decides. There is always a chance he tries to get in Ronaldo, trust what he has right now, or just go for someone else in the market. Right now, it’s not clear as to what the club will do on that front.