Transfer Gossip: Ronaldo offers himself to perfect next club as Man Utd exit accelerates; Arsenal, Chelsea plot £65m repeat of Liverpool deal

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken matters into his own hands and offered his services to his ideal next club, while Arsenal and Chelsea have converged over a Portugal-based winger who holds a £65m release clause – both in Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip.

RONALDO EYEING RETURN TO FORMER CLUB

Details have emerged regarding Cristiano Ronaldo serving himself up to Real Madrid, including the length of contract in play, why a move has a chance and Carlo Ancelotti’s response.

Ronaldo’s time at Old Trafford is nearing its end for the second time. His explosive interview with TalkTV looks to be the final straw in an ill-fated second spell at Manchester United.

The club have employed lawyers as they explore suing Ronaldo for breach of contract. ESPN revealed Erik ten Hag wants rid of the Portuguese icon after taking particular exception to his comment about having no respect for the Dutchman.

United are considering terminating the player’s contract and if Ronaldo is found to have breached his deal, the club won’t have to pay out the remainder of his £500,000-a-week wages. That could ultimately net the club a saving of around £16m, per the Daily Mail.

Attention has quickly shifted to where Ronaldo might wind up next.

Options in Australia and MLS have been touted. David Beckham’s Inter Miami appear to be the frontrunner from those Stateside.

However, Ronaldo has always stressed his desire to continue his Champions League legacy, meaning a stay in Europe would be preferred.

Now, according to Spanish outlet Sport, Ronaldo and his camp have offered his services to Real Madrid on a six-month deal.

Could Ronaldo to Real really happen… again?

A return to the Bernabeu would be ideal for Ronaldo given they regularly go deep into – and often win – the Champions League.

What’s more, their primary centre-forward is Karim Benzema who was recently ruled out of the World Cup with a thigh injury.

That unfortunate turn of events has seemingly sparked hope from Ronaldo’s side that Real may be willing to bring him back on board.

However, Marca are quick to shut down an eye-catching return. They report Real boss, Carlo Ancelotti, is not in favour of reuniting with Ronaldo.

While president Florentino Perez is claimed to be open to a reunion, Ancelotti does not want to disrupt the harmony within his squad.

Real Madrid won the league and Champions League double last year, once and for all proving they don’t need Ronaldo to win the game’s top honours.

While Ronaldo may want a reunion, it appears Real do not.

ARSENAL, CHELSEA CHASING LUIS DIAZ REPEAT?

The Gunners and Blues have converged over an FC Porto winger who holds a £65m release clause, per a report.

Both London clubs are seeking reinforcements in the final third. Chelsea are the lowest scorers of any team currently situated in the top half of the Premier League.

Christopher Nkunku’s potential arrival next summer will greatly aid their cause, though Graham Potter cannot pin his hopes on one man alone.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are embroiled in a title race and have their eye on a January addition to ensure they don’t crumble after Christmas.

Mikel Arteta is known to be seeking a ready-made wide forward to compete with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. An ambitious enquiry for Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane was recently lodged of which the details can be found here. Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk is another in their sights.

However, according to Portuguese publication Record, so too is FC Porto’s Pepe.

The Brazilian winger, 25, is in his second season in Europe since joining from Brazilian club Gremio. Pepe cost around €15m at the time, though his valuation has since risen.

He recently penned fresh terms at Porto in October that saw a hefty £65m release clause inserted into his deal. Via the Express, it’s claimed Arsenal and Chelsea are both exploring a deal, though would strive to negotiate a fee far below the release clause.

The Portuguese leagues have proved fertile ground for Premier League sides of late.

Liverpool found great success buying a wide forward from Porto in the form of Luis Diaz. Man City signed their best centre-half and captain – Ruben Dias – from Benfica, while Man Utd landed Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.

Pepe can operate on either flank and in midfield as well as the frontline. He’s returned a modest six goal contributions in 13 Primeira Liga matches this season, though has caught the eye with his ‘selfless attitude’.

TOTTENHAM DRAW UP LLORIS REPLACEMENT LIST

Spurs are searching for a long-term successor to Hugo Lloris and have identified three Premier League-based goalkeepers as prime candidates, per a report.

That’s according to 90min who state Tottenham have cast their eye over three mid-table stoppers who all warrant a step up in class.

The outlet list Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Brentford’s David Raya as those Tottenham are actively monitoring.

Tottenham are fully aware making signings from within the Premier League comes at a premium. However, signing a reliable goalkeeper who could conceivably be between the sticks for the next decade is something that’s certainly worthy of strong investment.

Spurs have also reportedly scouted Porto’s Diogo Costa who is wanted by Manchester United as they wrestle with displacing David de Gea.