Chelsea have been labelled the 'favourites' out of all interested clubs to sign Manchester United's talismanic figure Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, as his Champions League ambitions could prompt new owner Todd Boehly into action after a double transfer blow.
Speculation over the 37-year-old's future commenced when it was revealed that Boehly and super-agent Jorge Mendes had met in Portugal recently to discuss a few of his clients, including CR7. Since these leaks have come out, United have warned potential suitors their No. 7 is not on the market this summer. However, his willingness to leave Old Trafford has only been enhanced by the news that emerged on Friday.
Various outlets had declared that if a suitable offer was received by Richard Arnold and others on the United board, then Ronaldo would put pressure on them to accept, as he aims to keep his Champions League drive alive. United's inability to qualify for next season's competitions, coupled with the lack of transfer activity shown so far by Ten Hag's side so far in the summer transfer window, has led to Ronaldo questioning the ambition of the club as his return to pre-season looms.
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There is a possibility the Dutchman can convince a player he wants to be part of his new project to stay if the right signings are made to show good intent before September 1 but the Portuguese's apparent desire to seek a new challenge elsewhere may prove difficult for United to overcome.
Therefore, Chelsea, who have seemingly missed out on both Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha this summer to Barcelona, could really ramp up their pursuit of the Premier League icon if they were to go hard in their approach.
The Daily Mirror, as well as labelling Chelsea the 'favourites', have reported that the Blues alongside other interested clubs are all said to be willing to structure a performance-related pay package for Ronaldo, who is currently on £500,0000-a-week at Old Trafford and is reluctant to take a pay cut.
More modest wages could make this transfer a more viable one for manager Thomas Tuchel, who has waxed lyrical of United's talismanic figure in the past, who netted in the 1-1 draw with the Blues at the rear end of 2021/22. The same piece goes on to add that the reason for the current World Champions being the 'favourites' in this race is due to the fact that United want a swap deal as their best scenario with Bayern Munich for Robert Lewandowski.
However, the Poland international's willingness to join Barcelona has all but ruled this possibility out, meaning a potential Premier League switch could be on the cards if United soften up their stance regarding selling to Boehly. On top of this, Ronaldo's ambition to make it 20 Champions League seasons in a row inadvertently pushes him closer to the exit doors - where he goes next though remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Ronaldo himself is expected to travel with the Red Devils squad for their upcoming tour of Thailand and Australia.
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