Chelsea have been linked with a shock move for Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
The Blues are in need of attacking reinforcements following Romelu Lukaku's return to Inter Milan on a season-long loan deal, with Mason Mount the only player able to register double figures for goals in the Premier League last term. football.london understands that Chelsea were recently sounded out over a potential move for the Portuguese superstar, with Ronaldo understood to be unhappy with United's ambition so far this summer.
United's stance is clear: Ronaldo is not for sale this summer. New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will ask Thomas Tuchel whether he wants to place a bid for the player this summer, according to The Telegraph.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar make different club 'protest' plans as Chelsea attempt transfer
Bayern Munich director Oliver Kahn has ruled the German giants out of the race to sign the Portugal international, however, suggesting a move for Ronaldo would 'go against the club's philosophy'. Kahn said: “As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest players, a move would not fit into our philosophy."
Thierry Henry has already warned Chelsea about potentially signing Ronaldo after summarising the price United paid for re-signing Ronaldo whilst doing punditry for CBS Sport on the Champions League last year. The Portuguese striker's return has split opinions in the world of football, seen as both a blessing and a curse.
"When your poison is your medicine you will struggle", Henry said as he began to articulate the issue at Old Trafford following the 37-year-old's return. Henry continued: "You watched the game at the end, Ronaldo saved them [United], but when they play, they are exposed sometimes because they don't defend as a unit and we all know if you don't do that, you cannot win games."
Ronaldo scored 24 goals last season in all competitions, but his inability to press from the front makes him a very one-dimensional forward that can only suit a handful of teams' tactics in the modern game. There is no doubt about his quality in front of goal, but top teams in today's game rely on much more than just goals to win them games, as shown with Liverpool and Manchester City's pressing and possession-based tactics.
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