Following conversations between manager Thomas Tuchel and co-owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea will not sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
Following a meeting with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, in Portugal, the American, who was part of a group that took control the club in May, is said to have floated the possibility of moving Manchester United’s wantaway star to Stamford Bridge.
After deliberations, it was decided not to pursue the 37-year-old. Tuchel is reported to prefer focusing on the team rather than the individual and believes Raheem Sterling, who was purchased from Manchester City for £47.5 million on Wednesday, is a better fit.
Indeed, there was speculation that Ronaldo’s arrival had taken some of the spotlight away from Sterling, whom Chelsea regards as a marquee signing and dressing room leader.
The Portuguese midfielder has not joined United on their preseason tour. He wants to leave the club just one year after rejoining it after they were eliminated from the Champions League after a lengthy, uninspiring season.
It is believed that Paris Saint-Germain also turned down the opportunity to sign the forward, who appears to have few options. According to reports, a club in Saudi Arabia has offered him £105 million a year.
The signing of Ronaldo would have undoubtedly provided Chelsea with a significant, immediate financial boost, but the decision is understood to have been taken for footballing reasons.
Tuchel, who missed out on Leeds United playmaker Raphinha to Barcelona, will shortly add defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who was set to join Napoli for £34 million on Thursday.
They are also in early talks with Manchester City about Nathan Ake and are interested in PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe after the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Thomas Christensen.
Cesar Azpilicueta, the club captain, is also expected to leave for Barcelona, but only once defensive reinforcements have been secured, with a right wing-back addition probable.
England’s Mason Mount and Reece James, as well as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, are also set to sign new contracts.
As Boehly and the Americans continue to make their mark at Stamford Bridge, Tom Glick, a former Manchester City official, will be unveiled shortly as the club’s new chief executive.
A number of people are being interviewed for the position of director of football.