Chelsea could emerge once again as shock contenders to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer as the Blues look to add a goalscoring striker to their misfiring frontline, it has been reported.
The Portuguese veteran was linked with a move to west London during his time at Manchester United, with new owner Todd Boehly keen to make a statement signing after taking over the club in May 2022, but that transfer never materialised.
Six months on, he completed a move to Saudi Arabia Al-Nassr, having left United in disgrace, a move that made him the wealthiest footballer in history. However, it hasn;t gone exactly to plan, with Ronaldo failing to win any silverware in the Saudi top-flight and reports that he is already keen to make a return to Europe, despite being under contract until 2025.
That could leave Chelsea, who have scored just 31 goals in 33 games, back in business for the striker, with the incoming Mauricio Pochettino thought to want a figurehead of his new look attack.
“Whilst Ronaldo’s next destination remains unclear, Chelsea could reignite their interest in the striker,” Football London claim. “Todd Boehly was keen on signing him in the summer… before flirting with the idea again following his Man United exit.”
“Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is… likely to demand a forward to lead the line”, they add.
However, with Inter Milan unable to make the deal permanent due to financial restraints, the Blues will either have to accept a massive loss, or attempt to reintegrate the Belgian into the new-look squad.
