If Todd Boehly wants to make his own personal dream signing at Chelsea then he may have one last chance to pull it off.
With Graham Potter now in charge and January transfer business expected from the Blues - football.london understands they have come to a pre-agreement to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku next summer, if Boehly still wants to land Cristiano Ronaldo then he may only have one month to do it.
The Portuguese forward has been at the centre of transfer speculation since revealing he wanted to leave the club over the summer in order to challenge for titles and play in the Champions League. His age, wages, allegiances and club priorities meant that options weren't as forthcoming perhaps he had imagined.
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Amongst those to enquire politely about Ronaldo were Chelsea. Backed by new co-owner Boehly and a willingness to make an immediate first impression in the market, the American was offered Ronaldo's services by agent Jorge Mendes. As Boehly took that back to Chelsea he faced heavy resistance from Thomas Tuchel.
With the German now gone following his sacking days after signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang instead, Boehly may wish to float the idea to Potter. The conversation would have to be decisive though, with the Telegraph reporting that Manchester United are now willing to part with their forward. It wouldn't be out of the equation to expect a move in January should the views align, but making a decision on Ronaldo without a director of football in place is risky.
Having previously said that the 37-year-old was not for sale and that he wouldn't be leaving, Ronaldo has been an isolated figure at Old Trafford, primarily used in Europa League action so far this season. He was an unused substitute in the 6-3 Manchester derby loss on Sunday 'out of respect for his career' according to new manager Erik ten Hag.
Although United's stance has softened, whether it makes any difference is a separate matter. Ronaldo is not the popular pick he once was and with high-pressing systems, his lack of work off the ball doesn't make him an attractive player for as many coaches. Potter himself likes an energetic forward line, perhaps not one Ronaldo fits into.
With Aubameyang also scoring his first goal for the club against Crystal Palace in the style that Chelsea have lacked for a long time, his reminder to fans that even at 33, he isn't done yet is timely. Maybe in a world without Aubameyang at Chelsea, Ronaldo may be looked at more seriously, but with the Gabon forward now first choice and picking up fitness, his goal might be all that's needed to finally end Boehly's dream pursuit.
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