Chelsea have been warned their transfer stance on Cristiano Ronaldo could be 'deluded'.
The Manchester United legend is said to be angling for a summer exit following a frustrating return to Old Trafford. Ronaldo netted 24 goals in all competitions, but a horrendous finish to the season saw the Red Devils miss out on a place in this season's Champions League.
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has questioned the merits of moving for Ronaldo amid growing transfer speculation, hinting there is no chance of the former Juventus and Real Madrid forward recapturing his peak form. The pundit suggests Todd Boehly's interest in the deal must stem from the commercial value which could in turn make it a 'clever deal'.
Johnson told Betting Odds: “I think it depends on the rationale of why you want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. If you’re signing him because you think you’re getting the Ronaldo of old then you’re deluded, but if you’re signing him because he’s a massive commercial deal and you’re going to earn an absolute fortune in shirt sales and sponsorships, then in that sense it’s a clever deal.
"The only man that can answer that is Boehly himself regarding why he wants to sign him. I know he’s got no experience in football, but people who do buy football clubs are successful at whatever it is they do and they’re clearly intelligent people. You don’t buy a football club without a plan and I do believe if they were to buy Ronaldo that it’ll be more from a commercial perspective than getting him into their starting eleven.”
Erik ten Hag has been tasked with leading a major rebuild, but progress on the transfer front has been slow despite reports suggesting a warchest in excess of £100million had been made available. Tyrell Malacia is currently the only senior arrival, with moves for Frenkie de Jong and Christian Eriksen turning into protracted sagas.
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Ronaldo is reportedly keen to continue playing at the highest level and challenge for honours in the twilight of his career. However, the options for a summer move for the 37-year-old appear to be limited, with Stamford Bridge believed to be one of the few viable options.
Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is said to have offered the United forward to the Blues, who have also been tentatively linked with Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar. However, recent reports indicate Thomas Tuchel is not keen on the prospect of a superstar striker signing despite the loan exit of Romelu Lukaku.
Tuchel is currently reshaping Chelsea's attack, with the move for Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling expected to be confirmed in the coming days. The England international has agreed a long-term deal and is due to join the Blues on their pre-season tour of the USA.
Chelsea are said to be open to offers for Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech as part of this reshuffle. The Blues look to have lost out in the race for Leeds United winger Raphinha though, with the Brazil international set to sign instead for Barcelona.
