CHELSEA’S big move for Cristiano Ronaldo still needs a thumbs-up from Thomas Tuchel, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
New Blues chairman Todd Boehly is a huge fan of the Portuguese superstar — but must now convince boss Tuchel to go for him.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are said to be closing in on a £45million deal for Man City forward Raheem Sterling.
- IN: None
- OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge…
Cole hits out at Mount critics
Ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole has taken aim at fans who criticise Mason Mount’s performances.
Cole said: “That’s the sign of the times, people don’t want to admit they were wrong.
“Anyone who’s not having Mason Mount needs to just really have a look at themselves.”
Mount won a second consecutive Chelsea Player of the Season award in May
Prem standing order
Premier League clubs will get the go-ahead to open safe standing areas in their grounds from the start of the coming season, writes SunSport’s David Wooding.
Ministers are expected to announce the success of a trial at five stadiums and invite all top-flight teams to introduce their respective sections.
It will mean that fans will be able to stand to watch Prem or Championship matches for the first time in almost 30 years.
Standing has been illegal in the two top divisions since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 after the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster.
But following a pilot scheme last season at Chelsea, Tottenham, Cardiff, Manchester City and Manchester United, all other top clubs will be give the all clear to follow suit.
A final report on the government-commissioned trial seen by The Sun on Sunday says the sections delivered a positive impact on spectator safety and improved fans’ matchday experience
De Ligt replacement identified
Juventus are considering Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes as a potential replacement for Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are making Gabriel their number one priority if they sell De Ligt.
The Netherlands international has been linked with a move to the Blues, while Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs.
However, the Bianconeri are getting ready to lose him and could move for Gabriel
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Just Ligt that
Bayern Munich are confident they can reach a deal for Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt because he prefers them to Chelsea.
That is according to reporter Christian Falk, who claims Bayern know the Blues can offer a higher fee for De Ligt.
Falk tweeted: “TRUE [Bayern] know that [Chelsea] is also interested in Matthijs de Ligt and Chelsea can offer a higher Transfer-fee.
“But Bayern know that the player would prefer to move to Munich if the clubs can agree on a Deal.”
Premier League Arm wrestle
Chelsea ace Armando Broja could depart in a £30million move this summer with three Premier League clubs vying for his signature.
Broja impressed on loan at Southampton last season where he scored nine goals in 38 games in all competitions.
SunSport exclusively revealed last month how West Ham have made landing the the striker their top target after Saints pulled out of the race.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have emerged as a possible destination as they consider a move after making an enquiry.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are also keen on securing his services
Mason the Mount-ain
Chelsea star Mason Mount has shown off an incredible three-year body transformation in his latest bulky gym snap.
Twitter was abuzz after seeing Mount’s latest gym pic, comparing the midfielder to his skinny figure at the start of his Stamford Bridge career in 2019.
The playmaker is flexing his hench physique in the modern day shot shared on social media.
It’s a far contrast from the weedy youngster the England international was on his debut season
Latest on Raphinha
Chelsea are planning to switch to a back-four and that is why they want Leeds star Raphinha.
Manager Thomas Tuchel needs an “aggressive winger” as he is considering a 4-4-2 with Raheem Sterling deployed in the middle.
The Athletic report says: “Chelsea’s pursuit of Raphinha springs directly from Tuchel’s desire to have an aggressive winger at his disposal.
“There is even a possibility that 4-4-2 could be used, with Raheem Sterling deployed more centrally if [Todd] Boehly manages to close a deal to sign him from City”
More on Tuchel tactics
Chelsea manager Tuchel played with a 3-4-2-1 formation since taking over because of the club’s existing profile but he plans on changing it.
The report reads: “This is the first opportunity that Tuchel has had to re-mould this Chelsea team more in line with his footballing principles.
“His decision to start with and then stick with 3-4-2-1 for much of the first 18 months of his Stamford Bridge tenure was a pragmatic one.
“It was made in recognition of the profile of the squad and particularly with a view to maximising Thiago Silva and Jorginho’s qualities, while minimising their weaknesses.”
That switch to a back-four would allow Tuchel to make more potent use of his wingers
Chelsea’s personal Tuch
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is ready to finally shape his team into what he wants it to be.
The Blues’ new owners are giving Tuchel more influence over the make-up of his squad, according to The Athletic.
Chief among the German head coach’s plans is said to be a transition from a back-three into a back-four.
That theory is supported by the West Londoners’ interest in the likes of top centre-backs like Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
The Athletic claims new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have given Tuchel a say on transfer targets that “few head coaches or managers ever did in the 19 years of Abramovich ownership”
Jude Bellingham race
Manchester United and Chelsea are leading the transfer race ahead of three European rivals to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
According to Mundo Deportivo, five powerhouse clubs are circling to swoop for Bellingham in the summer transfer window.
And it appears that United and Chelsea are in pole position to sign the midfielder.
But they are facing fierce competition from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Liverpool
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Sin it to win it
Leeds have lined up Feyenoord star Luis Sinisterra as a replacement for Raphinha.
The winger is closing in on an Elland Road exit with Chelsea reportedly reaching a deal to sign him only for him to snub Stamford Bridge as he prefers Barcelona.
The Whites have been scouring the market for a replacement and are in talks over a move for Sinisterra.
The Colombia international has been with Feyenoord since 2018 and scored 23 goals in all competitions last season.
Everton are also keen on the 23-year-old but the Dutch giants are demanding a club-record fee of around £23million
He’s the Ron
Chelsea are still weighing up a move for Manchester United’s wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Blues are believed to be at the front of the queue to sign Ronaldo and are now considering a bid, according to The Athletic.
New owner Todd Boehly first made contact with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s agent Jorge Mendes last month but talks have reportedly continued since.
And according to the Independent, the star forward is willing to accept a sizeable wage cut to push for a move as he is desperate to continue playing Champions League football
Cristiano Ronaldo absence
Manchester United star and Chelsea target Cristian Ronaldo has DELAYED his return to training due to family reasons.
Ronaldo has sensationally told United he wants to quit in order to play Champions League football next season.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was set to hold showdown talks with new boss Erik ten Hag today in what was scheduled to be his first day back at the club after a summer break.
But SunSport understands the forward did not attend practice today due to family reasons, and the Red Devils have accepted his explanation.
The Portugal international is due to spend a few days at United’s HQ before flying on a 16-day tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday with the rest of the squad
Christensen to Barcelona
Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Andreas Christensen on a free transfer from Chelsea.
And amazingly, Christensen’s buyout clause has been set at €500million (£430m) after signing a four-year deal.
A club statement read: “FC Barcelona and Andreas Bødtker Christensen have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club after his contract with Chelsea FC came to an end.
“The player will sign a contract until 30 June 2026 and his buy out clause will be set at 500 million euros”
Credit: BARCELONA FC Matt’ll do nicely
Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt favours a move to Chelsea despite a number of other attractive options.
Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also keen on De Ligt but he wants to come to Stamford Bridge, according to Sportsmail.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the centre-back.
The Blues are thought to have tabled several offers so far the Netherlands international this summer.
Now the West Londoners are said to be keen to close the deal for about £65million.
However, Sportsmail say Juve want to push that price up even higher
Chelsea hold De Ligt talks
Chelsea have held talks with Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt about a potential deal.
That is according to Foot Mercato, who report that the Blues’ representatives have met with De Ligt.
Talks were reportedly positive and the West Londoners are confident a deal can be made.
However, Manchester United are “attentive” to the centre-back’s situation
Chelsea close to signing Sterling
Chelsea are close to sealing a deal for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.
City want more than the £45million they received for Gabriel Jesus, who has joined Arsenal.
No fee has yet been agreed for the winger but talks are believed to have progressed well over the weekend.
SunSport exclusively revealed last month how the Premier League champions know they are facing a losing battle to keep the 27-year-old
Neymar and Ronaldo offered
Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar and Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Representatives of the duo have approached new Blues co-owner Todd Boehly about a potential deal.
Manager Thomas Tuchel wants six signings this summer transfer window.
Ronaldo has informed United of his wish to leave the club because he wants to play in the Champions League.
And PSG are reportedly keen to sell Neymar in the summer as they are in transition after a disappointing campaign
Credit: GETTY IMAGES New formation
Thomas Tuchel is ready to finally shape his Chelsea side into what he wants it to be, according to reports.
The club’s new owners are giving the Blues boss more influence over the make-up of his squad, according to The Athletic.
He wants to switch Chelsea from a back five to back four formation.
Kounde update
Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea for over a year.
Chelsea could be now in for other targets like Matthijs De Ligt and Kounde could head to Barcelona.
But, Monchi, the Sevilla chief has said: “There are zero contacts with Barcelona for Jules Koundé. No talks ongoing.”
Mendes meets with Boehly over Ronaldo move
Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has met with Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly, according to reports.
The pair supposedly met due to Ronaldo wanting out of Old Trafford.
Sunday World say that Boehly ‘made it clear’ during his meeting with Mendes that Chelsea could be an option for Ronaldo.
Jeez Luiz
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star David Luiz could be set for a sensational return to Europe with Inter Milan.
The Brazilian defender, 35, headed back to his homeland in September 2021 from the Gunners to join Flamengo.
But GOAL are claiming that he could be on his way to Inter in a shock transfer.
Raheem Dream
Chelsea are reportedly confident that they will sign Raheem Sterling prior to their pre-season tour in the US.
The West Londoners fly to the United States on Saturday 9th July.
Man City are rumoured to be wanting over £45million for the England ace.
Chelsea and Man Utd want Mitchell
Both Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in bringing transfer specialist Paul Mitchell to the club.
Mitchell is currently at Monaco, having previously worked at Spurs and Southampton bringing in many top talents.
The Daily Mirror claim he is open to a move back to England.
Chelsea offered Neymar and Ronaldo
According to reports, Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Representatives of the duo have approached new Blues co-owner Todd Boehly about the players.
Thomas Tuchel wants six signings this summer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
