‘Boehly really wants to sign’ £480k-a-week star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly ‘really wants to sign’ Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo and a late move to Stamford Bridge remains a possibility, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Boehly led a £4.25billion takeover of the west Londoners in May and has until 11pm on September 1 to bolster head coach Thomas Tuchel’s squad.

What’s the latest news involving Ronaldo?

Ronaldo has entered the final 12 months of his £480,000-per-week contract at Manchester United and doubts over his long-term future are persisting.

It became clear that the 37-year-old is seeking a move away from Old Trafford when it emerged he had asked to leave if a satisfactory offer is lodged ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

Boehly reportedly held a meeting with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in June, where the possibility of a move to Chelsea was discussed.

It is understood that Ronaldo is willing to join the Blues as he is keen to compete in this season’s Champions League.

Although Manchester United have insisted that the former Real Madrid man is not for sale, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are two possible destinations if his current employers change their stance and let him leave.

What has Simon Phillips said about Ronaldo?

Phillips understands that Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has entered advanced talks to join in a switch worth up to £25million, remains Chelsea’s primary target at the top end of the pitch.

However, the journalist is aware that Boehly is a fan of Ronaldo and could still look to strike a late deal if Aubameyang does not end up heading to Stamford Bridge.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “Aubameyang is the priority, but that’s not a done deal yet.

“I do think that we should still keep an eye on the Ronaldo situation purely because Boehly really wants to sign him.”

Why is Ronaldo on Boehly’s wishlist?

There is no doubt that Ronaldo is a formidable force in the attacking third of the pitch, having found the back of the net 698 times and registered a further 221 assists over the course of his club career, so he would be a blockbuster signing.

Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at Leeds United showed that Tuchel needs more firepower as well as defensive reinforcements.

Romelu Lukaku’s loan return to Inter Milan and the decision to allow Timo Werner to rejoin RB Leipzig for £25million has also left the west Londoners short of options.

But Ronaldo, a 189-cap Portugal international, could ease Chelsea’s problems and his desire to leave Manchester United may boost their chances of getting the deal over the line.

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