Manchester United have been slowed down by the news that Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to move clubs. The Portuguese international’s request to leave the club has left them unimpressed and the pursuit for a new striker is stalling. Ronaldo has made it clear that he wants to move to a club in the Champions League and is not impressed with the approach from Manchester United. Manchester United, who finished sixth last season, have been keen on signing a striker in the transfer window, but the move is unlikely to happen unless he receives a satisfactory offer.
Real Madrid reach out to Liverpool to check if a deal for Asensio is possible
According to a report in Calciomercarto, Real Madrid have reached out to Liverpool to check if a potential deal for Cristian Asensio is a viable option. The Argentine forward has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the past and has bags of talent, but Liverpool have been unwilling to pay the price tag. Asensio is also wanted by Scudetto winners AC Milan and Premier League powerhouse Arsenal. However, Liverpool appear to have the edge over these other clubs.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are interested in signing Luka Jovic on loan. Nevertheless, the Gunners are also hoping for a EUR25 million buyout option on the winger. Having failed to find form since joining Real Madrid in 2019, Jovic is playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema. Another player with strong links to Real Madrid is the Belgian winger Eden Hazard.
If a deal for Asensio is indeed possible, it will cost Real Madrid a record fee. The Argentine forward has a contract until 2023 with Real Madrid, so a move to the Spanish giants is highly likely. The Reds have been linked with the former Barcelona midfielder in recent weeks, but there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Asensio and despite the huge amount of money involved, Manchester United were more interested in signing Pau Torres and David Carmo, two of the best players in the world in his position. The latter has since moved to Porto and Anthony Martial has recently made his debut.
The move could also prove to be beneficial for the club’s finances. Despite the massive transfer fee, Real Madrid aren’t short of funds following the failed Mbappe case. A deal involving Asensio and Rodrygo would not only improve the team’s finances, but would give the club an edge over its rivals.
Chelsea make opening offer of $57 million for Jules Kounde
Following last summer’s failure to sign the French international, Chelsea are back in the hunt. While they have already signed Koulibaly, they have to reinforce their defensive unit. With Kounde’s price at $57 million, the Blues are ready to move again. Moreover, the Spanish club have already agreed on personal terms with the Belgian defender. In that case, they could move forward with the deal as long as they get the amount they want.
The Blues have long been after Kounde, a France international who can play as a right-sided centre-back or a winger. Tuchel has praised Kounde and the pair have become close friends, but Chelsea appear to be more interested in signing his teammate than in a transfer. While both are highly regarded by Tuchel, Kounde will be 32 next month and his game time will decline as he ages.
Although Chelsea made an opening offer of $57 million, they were beaten by Barcelona as Sevilla, who were eager to land Kounde. Barcelona are also keen on the French international, but they have run out of options. While Barcelona remain hopeful that they can complete a deal before the start of the preseason, they haven’t been able to do so. Kounde is now training in a gym and thanking the supporters for their support.
The move to a top European club may be necessary in order to secure the services of an international superstar. It could alter the future of several other international stars. Christian Pulisic, Tim Werner and Hakim Ziyech could all be on the move to LA. The striker’s transfer to Chelsea could also affect the future of their club’s international players. But Chelsea’s move could also bring new players in a more balanced and exciting squad.
Besides Jules Kounde, Chelsea have also made a bid for Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes from Sporting Lisbon. The club are aiming to sign a top-class attacking midfielder in addition to Sterling. This move may mean the departure of Jorginho. With the ownership of the club sorted, Chelsea are free to sign players. There are also rumors about the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nathan Ake.
Chelsea want at least $67 million for the French international
The Real Madrid superstar is reportedly interested in a move to Chelsea. The Blues are willing to spend more than their European rivals, however. Bayern Munich have discussed a move to sign Ronaldo, but are hesitant to pay the PS500,000 a week that the Portuguese star demands. However, this is unlikely to stop them from making a move for the Portugal international. In addition to a release clause, a transfer fee of PS67 million is required.
Manchester United have repeatedly denied that they are willing to sell the forward, insisting only a’suitable offer’ will be considered. However, Manchester United have said that a move for Ronaldo would tarnish his legacy at United, and that he will not join Chelsea. Hence, a move for the Portuguese international is unlikely to take place this summer. Bayern Munich and PSG have both turned down approaches from Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes. In the meantime, Ronaldo will likely play Europa League football, which is not an ideal situation for the player.
Despite the interest of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, the standoff with Ronaldo seems unlikely to change any time soon. The Portuguese striker has reportedly not returned to training with United despite their repeated assurances. The reason has been attributed to personal reasons, with United manager Erik ten Hag repeatedly stating that he would be back in training before the Premier League season begins. There are few obvious signs of a deal falling through, though.
There have been reports that Chelsea are in talks with Manchester United’s owner Jorge Mendes over a potential deal to sign the Portuguese forward. Ronaldo has already stated his desire to leave the club, which could be a major obstacle to his signing. However, the new owner, Todd Boehly, appears keen on spending. Although a deal could not be struck, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly is keen to keep the club in the game and is keen to keep the players happy.
Manchester United ‘cautiously optimistic’ that Jesus will arrive from Manchester City
Jose Mourinho is ‘cautiously optimistic’ about signing Jesus from Manchester City, despite the fact that the Brazilian has struggled to find a regular starting position for City. In his last two years at the club, Jesus has contributed 95 goals and 46 assists, but has often been outshone by his teammates in a top-class team. But United are desperately in need of a right-winger, and Jesus would fit the bill perfectly. The Brazilian has been rated at PS50m by Manchester City, while United could be able to sign an Ajax winger for a PS40m fee.
A move to Arsenal is also a possibility for Jesus, but it is unlikely that the Premier League giants will make a bid for the player unless they have a substantial financial investment. The Arsenal boss is also ‘cautiously optimistic’ about signing Jesus. Manchester United are keen on securing the services of a talented forward, but are aware that selling to a Premier League rival carries a premium. However, they believe they can tie up Jesus’ top target, and are confident they can achieve it this summer.
A potential deal could see the Argentine play a number of different roles for the Red Devils. Jesus has played in the wide position for City, but Arteta has been using him more through the midfield. Despite the glaring difference in position, the Portuguese forward has already scored nine goals in the Premier League this season. He is a versatile player with good physical strength and is able to create chances, although his record in the Premier League hasn’t been particularly impressive.
Meanwhile, in the transfer window, Arsenal and Manchester City are battling it out for Gabriel Jesus. While Arsenal and Manchester City are unsure whether they can afford to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to the Red Devils, they have offered Timo Werner to Juventus, and they are unable to meet the release clause for Matthijs de Ligt. Cristian Eriksen has not yet decided whether to sign for Manchester United or stay at Brentford. Despite a lack of a suitable offer, Eriksen is unlikely to leave the club due to family reasons.
