Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo as Atletico Madrid have denied talks over a move for the striker this summer. The Portuguese international has been linked with an exit from Manchester United as the striker looks to compete at the top level in the twilight of his career.
The links with the Blues come after new owner Todd Boehly held talks with agent Jorge Mendes, where the possibility of a switch was a topic of discussion. A natural centre-forward is a position that needs addressing too, given the team's struggles in front of goal last season.
Club-record signing Romelu Lukaku left on a loan return to Inter Milan, though further squad turnover is expected with further quality additions needed. However, the lack of arrivals and departures at this stage of the window has caused Thomas Tuchel to speak out about the problem.
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"I cannot guarantee we will be ready [for the start of the season] in two weeks," the German coach told reporters after a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Arsenal in pre-season. "It's the same players so why should anything change?
"We will see hopefully development but at the moment we have the same issues because we have the same players." It suggests that the manager far from pleased surrounding the shape of his squad going into the new campaign, though there are plenty of weeks left in the transfer window in which to work.
While Tuchel continues to battle in the market to sign a defender, the striking department could see Ronaldo make the switch. The 37-year-old managed to score 24 goals across all competitions, despite the struggles of the Red Devils.
The Blues may have had to worry about other sides joining the battle, one of which being Atletico Madrid. However, Rojiblancos president Enrique Cerezo appears to have shot down any talks of a potential return to La Liga for Ronaldo.
Speaking to Partidazo Cope, he said: "I don’t know who invented this story about Cristiano Ronaldo to Atletico Madrid. It’s definitely not true. It’s practically impossible for him to come to Atletico Madrid."
It could give Chelsea a clear shot at landing the forward this summer as they look to improve their goal scoring record.
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