Graham Potter has decided to not prioritise a move for Cristiano Ronaldo in the January transfer window, according to reports. The 37-year-old quickly became heavily linked with a move to Chelsea again after he refused to come on against Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag decided to drop the striker from the squad to face the Blues on Saturday, casting great doubt over his future at Old Trafford. But, despite the west Londoners being tipped to take Ronaldo off the Red Devils' hands, Potter has a number of other targets he'd rather sign instead, according to CBS Sports.
One of whom, the report states, is former Arsenal target Jonathan David. The Lille striker, who sees his deal at Stade Pierre-Mauroy expire in 2025, has featured 12 times for Paulo Fonseca's side in Ligue 1 this season, directly contributing towards 12 goals.
READ MORE: Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham fans vent anger at 'unacceptable' Premier League Boxing Day decision
His impressive displays once courted the interest of Mikel Arteta before the Gunners opted to sign Gabriel Jesus instead. If the north Londoners choose to reignite an interest in David and decide to rival Chelsea for the Canada international, then it could prove difficult to persuade him against a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal technical director Edu met with the David's agent at the end of last year. According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg at the height of the Gunners' interest, Lille set an asking price between €45million and €55million (£38m to £46m).
Another striker target of Chelsea's is said to be Rafael Leao. The AC Milan star was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a deal failed to materialise.
The Blues are said to be monitoring the 23-year-old's situation amid ongoing talks with the Rossoneri over a new deal. Leao, who currently sees his deal with the Italian giants expire in 2024, reportedly has a €150million (£130.5million) release clause in his contract.
Milan have stepped up their efforts to hold onto the Portuguese star but that hasn't fended off the handful of European titans who are looking to snatch the forward's signature. According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Milan News, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are rivalling Chelsea for Leao.
All in all, Boehly looks poised to go hammer and tongs in the January transfer window to land Potter a new striker. But, if the American billionaire can not secure one of the 47-year-old's top targets then Chelsea may be left with Ronaldo as the next option.
READ NEXT:
The two Chelsea players 'bothering' Graham Potter and it's not Christian Pulisic or Kai Havertz
Why Mateo Kovacic 'streaked' across Stamford Bridge pitch after Chelsea draw vs Man Utd
Kalidou Koulibaly misses training due to injury ahead of key Champions League clash
Chelsea's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham and Man Utd
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
