Premier League Rival Exploring Potential Cristiano Ronaldo Transfer

Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo is the subject of serious transfer interest from Chelsea, with the London club considering the possibility of poaching the Portuguese icon from Old Trafford.

As the transfer window ramps up, Premier League rivals Chelsea have explored the opportunity of luring Cristiano Ronaldo away from Manchester United.

Chelsea’s interest in the striker has been reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, with Ornstein detailing the London club’s considerations surrounding the player and any potential move.

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly met with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, last month where the 37-year-old's future was discussed between the two.

Ronaldo reportedly told officials at Old Trafford that he wishes to leave the club in order to play Champions League football next season.

Manchester United are far more receptive to offers for Ronaldo from teams outside of the Premier League, due to their domestic ambitions and determination not to strengthen a rival.

James Olley of ESPN has remarked that Ronaldo himself is open to the idea of joining Chelsea, as is Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, but head coach Thomas Tuchel has not yet been convinced.

Losing Ronaldo, especially to a rival team with similar ambitions, could prove to be a huge blow to United, with the Portuguese icon top scoring for the Reds last season.

24 goals in 38 appearances, including six goals in six Champions League games, gave United at least a chance of competing for a Champions League spot in the 22/23 season, even if they ultimately fell short.

It is therefore evident as to why losing Ronaldo could be detrimental to the club.

Manchester United are adamant to keep the forward at Old Trafford for the 22/23 season, despite this interest, with Erik ten Hag meeting with the player in an attempt to incentivise Ronaldo to stay.

Ten Hag reportedly told Ronaldo that he was a part of the Dutchman’s plans moving forward, despite earlier rumours that Ronaldo was not favoured by ten Hag.

Despite ten Hag’s alleged eagerness to retain the Portugal international, it has been revealed by Mark Ogden from ESPN that United officials accept a Ronaldo exit would allow the rebuilding process under Erik ten Hag to be accelerated.

Should he leave the club, the recruitment team at Old Trafford will have to move swiftly to recruit an adequate replacement before the start of the 22/23 campaign.

There are several possibilities United could pursue, with Ajax’s Antony thought to be preferred by Erik ten Hag.

As pre-season commences, it will be hoped that any transfer saga involving Ronaldo will be swiftly concluded.

It has already been confirmed that Ronaldo will miss the first day of pre-season for family reasons, with the club finding these reasons adequate.

Manchester United’s pre-season tour is set to start under Erik ten Hag on 26 June for those players who did not take part in the most recent international break.

The club will fly to Bangkok to face Liverpool on 12 July in the first of six pre-season friendlies, before heading over to Australia to play Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

The side will then head back to Northern Europe to face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on 30 July, before a fixture at Old Trafford the next day against Rayo Vallecano sees the club wrap their pre-season tour up before kicking their Premier League season off against Brighton & Hove Albion on the 2022/23 opening weekend.