Cristiano Ronaldo could potentially have a move to Atletico Madrid ruined by a couple of recent Chelsea transfer flops.
The Portuguese forward has requested to leave Manchester United this summer with a number of clubs having been linked with a potential swoop for his services. Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Real Madrid were all of those immediately rumoured to be in the running for Ronaldo’s signature but it appears unlikely that any of the trio will complete a move for the 37-year-old between now and deadline day.
A new contender for Ronaldo emerged over the past few days with Atletico Madrid the latest to be linked with a move. Atleti boss Diego Simeone is thought to be a big fan of the forward, with there being hope that he could have a similar impact to that of Luis Suarez during the Uruguayan’s spell at the club.
The chances of a move to the Wanda Metropolitano look remote at the current time however. As it stands, the Spanish giants need to shift a few of their higher earners to afford a move for Ronaldo - specifically his lofty wages.
Among those who could be set for exits are ex- Chelsea duo Saul Niguez and Alvaro Morata. The pair are both back in Madrid having endured indifferent loan spells last season.
The former of course joined the Blues on a season-long loan with the option of a permanent deal. Saul ended up making just 12 starts for Chelsea last term as they finished third under Thomas Tuchel. A permanent move was unsurprisingly not sanctioned, with Saul then switching back to Spain.
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His opportunities for first team football do not look improved upon his return to the club. Despite Atleti having released Mexican midfielder Hector Herrera, they made a move for former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel on a free transfer.
Elsewhere, Morata is also back at the club following yet another spell with Italian giants Juventus. The Blues’ former club record signing, the Spanish striker signed a two-year loan spell in Turin - scoring just 32 goals over that time.
According to Capology, the pair earn €21.8m (£18.5m) between them in wages with Atleti and the club would have to get those considerable wages off the books before they even attempt to make a move for Ronaldo.
Further sales are also needed. As per Sport, the Spanish side would need to earn a minimum of €40m (£34.1m) to even think about pursuing the Portuguese.
Should they complete a move, then that would see Ronaldo represent both major Madrid clubs having previously enjoyed a successful spell with cross-city rivals Real. He made 436 appearances for the club across eight seasons, scoring 446 goals and helped the club to four Champions League crowns, as well as two La Liga titles.
