Chelsea are monitoring Marcus Rashford after it's said that Cristiano Ronaldo has unsettled the Manchester United star, according to reports. The 25-year-old was thinly-linked with an exit from Old Trafford earlier in the year but a move failed to materialise.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, the Blues first considered welcoming Rashford to Stamford Bridge in the summer after he was recommended by former boss Thomas Tuchel. And, following the England international's impressive cameo off the bench in the World Cup against Iran, Todd Boehly is believed to still be monitoring the forward.
Rashford sees his contract with the Red Devils expire at the end of the season but United have the option to extend his tenure by a further year. However, while Erik ten Hag will likely be keen to retain his services, Phillips adds that the Englishman has grown unsettled at the club due to Ronaldo.
READ MORE: England player ratings vs Iran: Saka and Bellingham impress as England romp to 6-2 World Cup win
Ronaldo faces an increasingly uncertain future at United as his relationship with head coach Erik ten Hag - and the Red Devils fanbase - appears untenable after an explosive TV interview with Piers Morgan. The Red Devils were said to be 'furious' after being caught by surprise over the 37-year-old's attack, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner claiming that he felt betrayed by the club.
As a result, the club are understood to have been seeking legal advice and the Portugal international could be sacked if his behaviour is judged to be 'a serious enough breach of discipline'. Ronaldo could even be offloaded before the January transfer window opens.
If Ronaldo's latest saga is enough to force Rashford out of United, then Chelsea could face tough competition from some of Europe's biggest side. According to ESPN in the summer, Paris Saint-Germain were eager to sign the England star but the Red Devils set a £120million asking price.
Though the aforementioned asking price could now be reduced with Rashford close to leaving at the end of the season once his deal expires. In October, former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell encouraged Mikel Arteta to make a move for the £43.3million-rated star.
"Rashford ticks some really good boxes for Arsenal," he told Football Insider. "On the counter-attack, he can be devastating.
"He undone Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this season with his speed. Rashford can be devastating on his day, we know that. Manchester United are dithering by the sounds of it.
"I’m sure Arsenal would go for him if he became available next summer. He is an international player who has played on the big stages.
"He knows how to get games won. That is what Arsenal lack sometimes. It would be great to have a player of his experience in the squad."
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