Chelsea have been told to reconsider making a move for Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as he 'ticks all the boxes' for Thomas Tuchel.
The Blues were touted to sign Ronaldo after his agent Jorge Mendes held a meeting with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly. Thomas Tuchel passed on the chance to sign the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and is now keen on securing a deal for Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, football.london understands.
Reports suggest the west London outfit could now face competition from United for Aubameyang's signature with Barca looking to sell one of the Gabon international and Memphis Depay to aid their financial situation. Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has urged Chelsea to sign Ronaldo before the transfer deadline with Erik ten Hag thought to have changed his mind about keeping the 37-year-old at Old Trafford.
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Tuchel is keen to strengthen his attacking options as the Blues' boss continues to try and reshape his squad with the help of Boehly's financial support, and Merson thinks Chelsea should reconsider a deal for the Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said: "I cannot believe they didn't or haven't gone in for Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He just ticks all of the boxes Chelsea are lacking. Playing for Chelsea is not like playing for Manchester United, who are working from the halfway line.
"Chelsea are on the edge of the box, dominating games. Chelsea have unbelievable wing-backs, they dominate football matches, if they were putting the ball into the box for Ronaldo I would dread to think how many goals he could score."
Tuchel is currently operating without a recognised striker in his side, with Kai Havertz having only scored once in his last nine Premier League matches. Sterling is the only forward to have scored for the Blues so far after just two games, but Chelsea remain in the market for an attacker after missing out on a deal for Raphinha earlier in the window.
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions last term, nine more than the west Londoners' top scorer Romelu Lukaku (15) managed with the Belgian striker now having returned to Inter Milan after just a year on a season-long loan deal. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wanted to keep hold of the Portuguese superstar despite his intentions to leave Old Trafford, but now is said to be open to letting the five-time Ballon d'Or winner leave before the transfer window closes, according to The Athletic.
Should Chelsea fail in their pursuit of Aubameyang, especially if United are able to convince the former Arsenal striker to make the move to Manchester, Ronaldo could become a viable option once again. However, unless Tuchel gives the green light for a deal to go ahead, the likelihood is Chelsea will pursue other attacking targets.
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