According to reports from AS, Chelsea are plotting a sensational £70million bid for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portugal international is widely regarded as one of world football’s all-time greats, having claimed three Ballon d’Ors and two Champions League titles throughout his glistening career, as well as amassing a rather incredible 326 goals in 315 appearances for Real Madrid.
But the 30-year-old’s future with Los Blancos has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, amid reports that he intends to leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season – a theory endorsed by Sky Sports’ La Liga correspondent Guillem Balague.
An an emotional return to former club Manchester United, where the winger-forward won his first Ballon d’Or and first Champions League title, has been mooted for some time. Likewise, reports from last week sensationally claimed Ronaldo had told PSG boss Laurent Blanc “I would love to work with you,” after Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over the Parisians in the Champions League.
But according to AS, Chelsea represent fresh competition in the race to sign one of the world’s most recognised sportsmen. Owner Roman Abramovich is desperate to turn the tide at Stamford Bridge following the Blues’ horrendous start to the season, finding themselves in 16th place after twelve games, and has earmarked Ronaldo as the ‘standard-bearer’ of his ‘revolutionary project’.
The Spanish publication go on to claim that the Russian billionare is prepared to pay up to €100million (around £70million) for the Portuguese and will fund the move, if necessary, by selling midfielders Oscar, Nemanja Matic and Eden Hazard.
PFA Player of the Year winner Hazard has been linked with a move away from west London ever since liking an Instagram post mooting him as a Real Madrid target.