Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign both PSG star Neymar and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, but a deal for either seems unlikely at present.
Ronaldo is keen to leave Old Trafford this summer after a poor season for the club, which leaves the striker staring down the barrel of missing Champions League football for the first time in his career.
That has not been helped by the slow start to the transfer window from Erik ten Hag’s side, with the Red Devils one of just two clubs in the top 6 that have not made a signing yet this summer.
Meanwhile, PSG are open to Neymar’s departure, despite the Brazilian forward having a contract in Paris until 2027. Chelsea, as one of the few clubs that could afford any potential loan fee and wages, have been offered the chance to sign the 30-year-old Brazilian who reached the Champions League final under Thomas Tuchel when the pair were at PSG.
However, moves for the pair seem unlikely, amid ‘fears that a signing like Ronaldo or Neymar might disrupt the balance of the squad and would not suit their brand of high-intensity football’, according to the Evening Standard.
Signings incoming for the Blues
Despite not being set to sign either star, there will be additions at Stamford Bridge this summer. Raheem Sterling tops the list, while Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt is also a key target to strengthen a defence that has lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger for free this summer.
As per the Standard, ‘New Chelsea owners Boehly and Clearlake Capital have promised Tuchel at least six new signings this summer to ensure they are in a position to bridge the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool next season’, with Jonathan Clauss also linked with a move to west London to provide cover for Reece James.
With the season now just a month away, it could be a busy month ahead for Thomas Tuchel and co.