Chelsea
Premier League • England
Transfer Gossip: Chelsea given ‘encouragement’ to bid for Man Utd ace Ronaldo and another superstar
Chelsea have reportedly been given ‘encouragement’ to bid for Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo and another big name, while Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip claims Arsenal will rival Leeds for a Belgium international.
TODD BOEHLY URGED TO MOVE FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has reportedly been told to make bids for Cristiano Ronaldo and and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar.
Ronaldo has told Manchester United he wants to leave this summer due to them failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The Portugual international hopes to play in Europe’s premier club competition, as well as compete for major trophies, during the final part of his glittering career.
But he doesn’t feel that can be done at Old Trafford and now wants out.
United are desperate to keep Ronaldo after he rescued them time and time again last season. The attacker hit 24 goals in all competitions, despite being 37 years old.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea are ‘considering’ making a move for Ronaldo. They have held talks with his agent Jorge Mendes, too.
The PA news agency provide an update. They claim Chelsea have been encouraged to make an offer for the goalscorer, despite United’s firm stance.
Intermediaries have seemingly told Blues chiefs that an offer could make United change their minds, therefore opening up a possible transfer to Stamford Bridge.
Boehly has had his interested ‘piqued’ by the chance to sign Ronaldo and Neymar in one window.
The Brazilian trickster could also be on the move this summer, despite having three years left to run on his PSG contract.
The Ligue 1 champions are preparing to bring in Christophe Galtier as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement. And if the new boss doesn’t want Neymar around, then he will likely be sold.
Chelsea are keeping tabs on the situation and will be one of the clubs to make contact if a PSG exit does come to fruition.
However, PA state Thomas Tuchel’s side are prioritising their top targets – wingers Raheem Sterling and Raphinha – right now, as moves for both Ronaldo and Neymar as viewed as ambitious.
ARSENAL JOIN LEEDS IN DE KETELAERE RACE
Leeds reportedly have a couple of new rivals as they attempt to sign Charles De Ketelaere, with Arsenal and Lyon now on his trail.
The eight-cap Belgium international notched 18 goals and 10 assists for Club Brugge last term. He is a top talent who can operate as a centre-forward, shadow striker or on either wing if required.
De Ketelaere, 21, looks set to become the latest Belgium ace to make his mark on Europe after leaving the Jupiler Pro League.
Fabrizio Romano states Leeds made an approach for the player in recent weeks. But they could lose out on him amid interest from other teams.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal and Lyon have joined the hunt. The main reason for the Gunners making a move would be to improve their squad depth ahead of their Europa League return.
But with De Ketelaere’s huge potential, it surely wouldn’t be long before he made his mark at the Emirates – should a transfer go through.
The report claims AC Milan are struggling in their negotiations to sign him. However, Romano contradicts this by stating the Italians have made a bid worth £17.2million plus add-ons.
There is now direct communication between Milan and Club Brugge for the forward, which could see both Leeds and Arsenal lose out on him.
SPURS PURSUE SECOND CENTRE-BACK AFTER LENGLET
Tottenham are moving closer to announcing the capture of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona, but they don’t seem to be stopping there.
According to the Daily Mirror, Spurs will follow up on Lenglet’s move by raiding Villarreal for Pau Torres.
The Spaniard has been a target for several months but has opted to remain at boyhood club Villarreal so far.
Tottenham in negotiations for Clement Lenglet from Barcelona
Tottenham are in talks with Clement Lenglet as he aims to leave Barcelona this summer
Nevertheless, Antonio Conte is ‘still keen’ to bring Torres to north London. And this could see Fabio Paratici, along with Daniel Levy, submit an offer for the central defender.
Torres won’t come cheap. transfermarkt value him at £45m, while Villarreal are likely to request far more than this.
But Conte wants more depth in defence ahead of the club’s Champions League campaign and Torres would be an ideal solution.