Thomas Tuchel has decided whether Chelsea should sign Cristiano Ronaldo following the Manchester United striker's intent to leave Old Trafford this summer. The 37-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Red Devils, and the west Londoners have emerged as a likely destination.
football.london understand that the Blues have sounded out a move for the Portugal international, with Ronaldo keen to ply his trade in the Champions League this season. According to ESPN, the evergreen talisman is open to a move to Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea remain hesitant as to whether to escalate their interest, with Tuchel believed to have been granted the final say.
And, despite Todd Boehly having laid out the groundwork to complete a deal following a meeting with super agent Jorge Mendes, Tuchel is not convinced. The Independent say that the German has 'little interest' in welcoming Ronaldo to west London amid growing developments regarding Raheem Sterling's future.
READ MORE: Chelsea receive £60m Raphinha transfer boost as Todd Boehly sets new Barcelona deadline
However, while Tuchel may not be keen to induct the Portuguese star into his Chelsea side, the Blues boss has already labelled Ronaldo as 'one of the greatest' players of all time. Tuchel said, as quoted by The Daily Express: "Time will tell, but I think it is not a secret that any team in the world without Cristiano [Ronaldo] is in some parts of the game a weaker team.
"He is one of the greatest who has ever played this game, and he proves it every time he is on the field. Now [he is] in the Premier League and in the Champions League, so they lost a big champion, a big point of reference and a big personality. But you can win games and be a strong team without Cristiano Ronaldo. This is also true."
According to The Times, Ronaldo has asked Erik ten Hag to respect his decision to leave the club should they receive a 'satisfactory offer'. And, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who sees his contract with United expire next summer, is said to have already been offered to Bayern Munich but the German giants have turned their nose up at the prospect.
READ NEXT:
Richarlison to Spurs hands Todd Boehly wake-up call amid Chelsea and Raphinha transfer impasse
Thomas Tuchel may already have the answer to Chelsea's £50m Manchester City transfer problem
Barcelona secure £177.6m windfall to concern Chelsea in Raphinha transfer battle
Sell Timo Werner, keep Levi Colwill - How Chelsea's squad should look after the transfer window
Pep Guardiola has already told Thomas Tuchel what Nathan Ake offers amid Chelsea transfer move
