Thomas Tuchel is said to be 'lukewarm' to the idea of bringing Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar to Chelsea. That's according to the Evening Standard, who are looking at the Blues' alternatives to Barcelona-bound Raphinha.
Chelsea had agreed a fee with Leeds United for Raphinha, but the Brazil international always preferred a move to Barcelona instead. Now, the La Liga outfit have matched Chelsea's £55million offer and the winger looks set to put pen to paper on a move to the Nou Camp.
Raheem Sterling is set to sign for Chelsea in the coming days. A source has told football.london that the 27-year-old completed his medical at the weekend in London and will soon fly across the Atlantic to join up with his new team-mates, who travelled to the United States on Saturday.
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Tuchel wants two attackers, though, and it looks increasingly likely that Ousmane Dembele will extend his stay at Barcelona. Chelsea have been sounded out over the possibility of signing Ronaldo from Manchester United, football.london understands.
United boss Erik ten Hag, however, is adamant the 37-year-old will play a part for him in his first season in the Premier League. Speaking on Monday morning, Ten Hag said: "He hasn't told me this [that he wants to leave].
"I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale. He's in our plans and we want to have success together. I spoke with him before the issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk.
"We are planning with Ronaldo for this season – that is it. I'm looking forward to working with him."
The aforementioned report from the Evening Standard suggests Tuchel is not completely sold on the idea of bringing Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge. Likewise, Neymar, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain.
There have been numerous reports claiming PSG would be open to selling the 30-year-old, who has three years left to run on his contract with the French champions. However, Neymar, when speaking in May, insisted he was focused on life in Paris and said he would be at the club next season.
When asked if he will remain at PSG and try to win the Champions League, Neymar said: "It has to be with Paris. I have a contract with PSG, so there are no other possible choices. Yes, it will be with Paris Saint-Germain."
Bringing either Neymar or Ronaldo in would mean extremely high wages for either player – who both possess superstar status in the world of football. Sterling, who is set to become a Chelsea player officially this week, is expected to earn around £300,000 a week at Stamford Bridge. Todd Boehly may have to offload some unwanted players – and there are plenty of them – should a move for Ronaldo or Neymar be acted upon.
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