Paul Scholes has named Christopher Nkunku and Cody Gakpo as the perfect alternatives to Cristiano Ronaldo. The former Manchester United striker recently became a free agent after the Red Devils announced that he has left the club with immediate effect.
Naturally, Ronaldo was quickly heavily linked with several of the world's richest clubs and one of which was Chelsea. football.london understand that Todd Boehly sounded out a move for the 37-year-old in July but former boss Thomas Tuchel stood in his way.
The American billionaire met with super agent Jorge Mendes in the summer to discuss a potential move for the Portugal international, according to The Athletic. A deal failed to materialise and the west Londoners signed Raheem Sterling instead.
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According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, Tuchel was a primary 'roadblock' in negotiations, with the German refusing to hold serious discussions over signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. The report states that, with the former head coach out of the picture now, Mendes will offer his client to Chelsea, although a move 'remains complicated'.
While Boehly is evidently keen on signing Ronaldo, it remains to be seen whether Graham Potter shares the same interest. With United looking to replace the Portuguese star, Scholes has named the ideal replacements.
Speaking on MUTV’s The Debate, the former Red Devils midfielder said: "I think there’s a couple of forwards they might look at. The kid at RB Leipzig that’s been linked with Chelsea, Nkunku.
"Centre forward is obviously the big position that needs filling. We have Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford who can both play there, but I think Marcus prefers being out wide and Antony’s injury record isn’t great.
"January might be too soon [to replace Ronaldo], they’re probably looking at next summer now, but I do think there are players out there. The lad at PSV – Gakpo – is doing really well for Netherlands at the World Cup and I think Ten Hag has been really interested in him before.
"There’s players out there for sure. January can be a tough window to do business but I hope we can do something and bring in a new centre forward."
football.london understand that Chelsea hold a long-term interest in Nkunku. The Blues were considering making a move for the France international in the summer but they were put off by RB Leipzig's €100million (£89.4million) asking price.
Late into the window, the 25-year-old penned a new deal at the Red Bull Arena, casting doubt as to whether a switch would be on the cards. However, it's understood that a release clause was inserted into his contract which only becomes active in the summer, meaning Nkunku could leave for considerably less.
With regard to Gakpo, in July football.london understood that Arsenal were one of several clubs interested in the 23-year-old winger. It's believed that the Netherlands international would be open to a Premier League move but any decision over his future will be made after the World Cup.
Signing the £69million-rated star could be harder than first though after taking the World Cup by storm. He's found the net in each of the Netherlands' three group stage clashes.
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