Graham Potter makes huge Ronaldo transfer decision as Chelsea plan £176m January swoop
According to reports, Graham Potter has decided not to make a move for Cristiano Ronaldo during the January transfer window.
After refusing to come off the bench for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur, the 37-year-old was again heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.
The decision by Erik ten Hag to omit the forward from the squad to face the Blues on Saturday casts serious doubt on his future at Old Trafford.
CBS Sports reports that despite West Ham being rumoured to be interested in Ronaldo, Potter has a number of other players he would prefer to sign instead.
Among them, according to the report, is former Arsenal target Jonathan David. The Lille forward, whose contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy expires in 2025, has appeared 12 times for Paulo Fonseca’s squad in Ligue 1 this season, contributing directly to 12 goals.
His impressive performances once piqued Mikel Arteta’s interest before the Arsenal opted to sign Gabriel Jesus instead.
If the north Londoners decide to reignite their interest in David and compete with Chelsea for the Canada international, it may be challenging to dissuade him from joining Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
End of last year, Arsenal technical director Edu met with David’s agent. At the height of Arsenal’s interest, according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Lille demanded between €45 million and €55 million (£38 million to £46 million).
Rafael Leao is reportedly another striker that Chelsea is pursuing. The AC Milan star was heavily linked with a summer transfer to Stamford Bridge, but no deal materialised.
The Blues are reportedly monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation amid ongoing contract negotiations with the Rossoneri. Leao’s contract with the Italian giants, which expires in 2024, reportedly contains a €150 million (£130.5 million) release clause.
Milan have intensified their efforts to retain the Portuguese superstar, but that hasn’t stopped a number of European giants from pursuing his signature.
According to Milan News, which cites the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool are competing with Chelsea for Leao.
Overall, Boehly appears prepared to go all out during the January transfer window to acquire a new striker for Potter. However, if the American billionaire is unable to secure one of the 47-year-top old’s targets, Chelsea may be forced to settle for Ronaldo.
Graham Potter makes huge Ronaldo transfer decision as Chelsea plan £176m January swoop
