CHELSEA WILL not divert from their top transfer targets while mulling possible moves for Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, the PA news agency understands.
The Blues still hope to wrap up a deal for Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling quickly now, with negotiations also continuing with Leeds’ Brazil forward Raphinha.
Chelsea are understood to have been encouraged towards bids for both Manchester United’s Ronaldo and Paris St Germain’s Neymar through intermediaries.
New chairman and interim sporting director Todd Boehly is thought to have had his interest piqued by the star power of two of the global game’s most recognisable figures.
But Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will be expected to have the top say on whether the Stamford Bridge club look to carry any initial interest further forward.
Manchester United’s stance is that 37-year-old Portugal talisman Ronaldo is not for sale, but new Blues chief Boehly is understood to have met with agent Jorge Mendes and talked on a number of different players.
Tuchel is understood to be a big admirer of Ronaldo’s clear talents, but Chelsea are pursuing a forward line and tactical approach based around fluidity and movement.
Romelu Lukaku’s struggles in Chelsea’s set-up under Tuchel could, therefore, point to similar potential issues with Ronaldo.
Neymar is another superstar understood to have designs on a move this summer, with Chelsea thought to have been offered a chance to move for the PSG forward.
Former PSG boss Tuchel is understood to retain a strong personal relationship with Neymar, with the pair having always got on well in a personal capacity.
But a Chelsea move for the 30-year-old would seem a long shot at this stage.
Raphinha’s first choice for a move from Leeds is understood to have been Barcelona for some time, but the Catalans are still to match Chelsea’s offer for the 25-year-old.
Chelsea are understood to continue to prize moves for Sterling and Raphinha over any other forwards, with the situations around Ronaldo and Neymar thought to be considered as separate from existing negotiations.
They ain’t getting Ronaldo. He wants to leave Utd ’cause he wants Champions league and that’s fair enough, but I think he has principles and he won’t go to Chelsea. Plus, I can’t see Utd selling him to a Premiership rival. They’d leave him on the bench before selling him to them.
@Stephen Foster: he was on the verge of signing for city before United upped his wage so don’t think his principles are as strong as you think.
@Stephen Foster: if he wants to leave and champions league probably only Man City, PSG or Chelsea can afford his wages. That’s a very small market.
Not saying Utd can’t afford to force him to stay and to keep him on the bench, but wouldn’t that be a terrible move. Although keeping an unhappy player against his will, on one of the biggest wages in world football is very on brand for Man Utd
@Paul Mallon: fair enough but that’s a bit cynical. The man doesn’t need money and I don’t think that motivates him. City were clearly the more obvious club that would provide him a platform to win things but he still went with Utd. I can’t see him going to a rival. It’s Europe or nothing. Plus I think there’s a possibility he’s doing it to motivate transfers. He’s pissed off Utd haven’t improved the squad yet.
@Stephen Foster: Would be funny if he joined chelsea. Man utd fans would lose their minds
@Paddy Kavanagh: why? Its not liverpool or city is it? I wouldn’t be too arsed if he went to london to be honest
@Paddy Kavanagh: yeah would be hilarious alright paddy but I don’t think the majority of utd fans would mind seeing him sign for Chelsea? I still think he will be a utd player come the start of the season though??
Say goodbye to the dressing room if you stick those two in it.
I hope Chelsea don’t buy he’s not a team player Ronaldo only thinks of Ronaldo nobody else he’s a glory hunter and not worth the amount club pay for him it’s ridiculous