MX23RW : Monday, April 29 23:26:07| >> :60:1417:1417:

Thomas Tuchel plays down Cristiano Ronaldo speculation

Tuchel plays down Ronaldo Chelsea speculation
© Reuters
Head coach Thomas Tuchel plays down suggestions that Chelsea may sign Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed that signing another forward is no longer a priority for Chelsea this summer.

On Wednesday evening, the Blues confirmed that they had completed the acquisition of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City on a five-year contract.

However, with Romelu Lukaku having already departed Stamford Bridge and other attack-minded players being linked with an exit, the West Londoners have naturally been associated with potential replacements.

Chelsea have been credited with an ongoing interest in Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who is said to be open to leaving Old Trafford.

Although Barcelona are the clear favourites to sign Robert Lewandowski, Chelsea have been named as an alternative destination for the Bayern Munich forward.

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel during the 3-0 win against Leeds United on May 11, 2022.© Reuters

Nevertheless, speaking on the club's pre-season tour of the United States, Tuchel has suggested that he may not sign any more fresh faces for the final third.

The German told Sky Sports News: "I would not rule it out but right now it is not the priority. The priority right now is defence, it's not a secret. From there we need to see what's possible.

"We're competing against the two top teams but Tottenham did a very active and aggressive and early transfer period, they have maybe the strongest squad they ever had with one of the best coaches in the world, Man Utd are never shy of recruiting with a new coach and Arsenal had some big signings already so we need to keep the level up to be competitive."

Chelsea are currently said to be closing in on two new central-backs, with the potential for a third later in the summer transfer window.

Kalidou Koulibaly warms up for Napoli in April 2022© Reuters

Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly could be confirmed as a Chelsea player as soon as Thursday with the Senegal international said to have already flown to London for a medical.

Also on Wednesday, it was claimed that Chelsea had made a breakthrough in discussions with Man City with regards to a deal for Nathan Ake.

Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe is also allegedly on Chelsea's radar and could be targeted once at least one of the aforementioned transfers have been finalised.

Tuchel is working to strengthen his defence courtesy of the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers.

Furthermore, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that youngster Levi Colwill could leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis if three new defenders are signed.

ID:490012:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6240:

Cristiano Ronaldo future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Thomas Tuchel

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly pictured in October 2020
Read Next:
Chelsea 'agree £33.8m Koulibaly deal, to undergo medical on Thursday'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal35255585285780
2Manchester CityMan City34247382325079
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa35207873522167
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs33186967521560
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea33139116359448
10Bournemouth35139135260-848
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton341111125257-544
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Everton35128153748-1136
16Brentford3598185260-835
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3579194262-2026
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!