Chelsea manager Tuchel has decided against signing Cristiano Ronaldo, as things stand, after the Manchester United forward was rumoured to be looking to switch to the London club.
According to the report by world-renowned football journalist, Fabrizio, the decision by Chelsea manager Tuchel came after Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes had talks with Todd Boehly.
The club’s new American owner has taken on the role of acting sporting director following the departure of Marina Granovskaia last month.
Boehly has played a lead role in Chelsea’s transfer dealings this summer, but the final decision has always been up to the manager.
Chelsea who already secured the signature of Raheem Sterling from Manchester United, are reported to be focused on different deals.
Ronaldo has privately made no secret of his desire to quit Old Trafford less than 12 months after his emotional homecoming, disillusioned at the prospect of lowering himself to playing in the Europa League next season.
Tuchel was asked, shortly after arriving in Los Angeles ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season tour, about the prospect of signing Ronaldo and although he refused to rule it out, he admitted the club’s priorities lay elsewhere.
He said: ‘I would not rule out signing another striker, but it’s not our priority,’ said the Chelsea boss. ‘The priority right now is our defence, it’s not a secret.
‘We lost top players and so now we need to replace them.’
Tuchel was referring to the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while doubts remain over the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
Chelsea are expecting to complete the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and remain in advanced negotiations with Manchester City over Nathan Ake who has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Premier League champions.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, must now assess whether to press ahead with his desire to leave United, or commit to Erik ten Hag’s rebuilding project for another 12 months.