Man Utd fail with Barcelona raid, as Jorge Mendes sniffs out similar Chelsea woe with fresh Ronaldo offer

Chelsea and Manchester United are both now unlikely to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Cristiano Ronaldo could yet reportedly move to Stamford Bridge.

The two clubs are looking for new striker signings in the final week of the transfer window to add more firepower. While Chelsea and United have made and are close to adding signings, they want extra support.

Raheem Sterling has moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City. Man Utd, meanwhile, are on the verge of signing Ajax’s Brazilian star Antony.

As for extra additions, Chelsea have been pursuing Barcelona’s Gabon international Aubameyang. They made a £15million offer earlier in August but to no avail.

Indeed, The Athletic now claims that Barcelona instead want £25million. And Chelsea have received further discouragement over a potential contract for Aubameyang.

Chelsea are wary of handing him big wages – which would be a prerequisite – despite him being 33 years of age.

The Blues would also want to give Aubameyang performance incentives, which could put the move further in doubt.

As a result, Man Utd have in recent days had links with a move for Aubameyang instead. Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio claimed last week that the Red Devils are keen on the Barca man.

However, Fabrizio Romano now claims that a move to Old Trafford is off for the Gabonese too.

Ronaldo future intertwined with Aubameyang

Chelsea and United could yet still do business between themselves this summer involving Portugal star Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old reportedly wants out of Erik ten Hag’s team and has his eyes on moving to a Champions League club.

Serie A club Napoli – who are in Liverpool’s group – have been touted as potential transfer contenders.

According to The Independent, though, Ronaldo’s agent has gone back to Chelsea after they cooled their interest in Aubameyang.

Former Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick reportedly convinced Blues boss Thomas Tuchel – the German pair have strong ties – not to move for Ronaldo.

But Mendes and his Gestifute agency have nevertheless tried their luck in search of a late Premier League switch for the forward.

The Indpendent adds, though, that Tuchel remains steadfastly against bringing the Portuguese in.

Striker signings hard to come by

The developments mean that both Man Utd and Chelsea will likely look elsewhere for new goalscorers.

Signings in that area who can fire a team to a top-four Premier League finish have proved hard to come by this summer.

Thus, wingers Sterling and Antony have been the focus of the English duo to get at least some new firepower in.

It remains to be seen who both Chelsea and United bring in – if anyone at all. The developments on that front could yet shape the top-four Premier League battle.