Cristiano Ronaldo 'open' to Chelsea transfer as Todd Boehly handed huge Jules Kounde boost
Chelsea's summer transfer window hasn't yet yielded any new first-team signings to date
as pre-season has gotten underway at Cobham.
The Blues have a £200million plus transfer budget, which is set to aid Thomas Tuchel
in purchasing at least six players this summer.
However, it seems so far that outgoings have been the order of the day, with Romelu Lukaku's
exit the only one of notice to date alongside the early defensive exodus.
Whilst their rivals have been strengthening significantly so far this summer, including
Tottenham, interim sporting director Todd Boehly has remained calm at the situation,
with the first signing expected through the doors next week in the form of Raheem Sterling.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Matthijs de Ligt and others could follow suit soon, and
football.london brings you all the latest Chelsea transfer headlines as we approach
a new week of business for the Blues.
Chelsea have been handed a major transfer boost after Sevilla director Monchi revealed
there are 'zero contacts' between Sevilla and Barcelona for Jules Kounde.
The La Liga outfit have been aware of the Blues' interest since last summer and wishes
to complete a deal that would see the France international make the move to Stamford Bridge
ahead of next season.
Barcelona emerged as rivals for Kounde's signature in recent weeks, with the Spanish giants reportedly
keen to sign the 23-year-old to partner Ronald Araujo.
Kounde would be available for a fee in the region of £60million this summer, with Sevilla
in need of funds to overhaul their squad.
Monchi revealed that there are no ongoing talks between the club and Barca, admitting
that Galatasaray defender Marcao is on the club's list of targets.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Monchi admitted: "There are zero contacts with Barcelona for
Jules Kounde.
No talks ongoing.
I understand Xavi as Araujo and Kounde together would be great, but there's nothing.
Marcao?
He is one of many options on my list."
Chelsea have been handed a major blow in their efforts to sign Raphinha, with Barcelona reportedly
looking to stifle the Blues' transfer swoop.
The 25-year-old winger has been heavily linked with an exit from Elland Road this summer,
and while Thomas Tuchel's side are said to have reached an agreement with Leeds United,
Barcelona remain in contention.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Jesse Marsch's side
on a £60million to 65million fee for the Brazil international.
The west Londoners are reportedly now best placed to acquire Raphinha's signature, with
Todd Boehly eager to wrap up a deal in a swift fashion to 'avoid problems'.
But, with the Spanish giants unwilling to surrender the transfer pursuit, Goal claim
that representatives of both Raphinha and Barcelona are elongating negotiations until
Xavi is armed with the finances to rival Chelsea's bid.
Ronaldo is open to a move to Chelsea this summer, but Manchester United are yet to make
a decision regarding the striker's future, according to ESPN.
The 37-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford, and the west Londoners
have emerged as a likely destination.
According to The Times, the Portugal international has asked the Red Devils to respect his decision
to leave the club should they receive a 'satisfactory offer'.
It's believed that Ronaldo's verdict is driven by his desire to play in the Champions League
this season, with Erik ten Hag set to guide United into the Europa League.
And, with Chelsea reportedly considering a move for the striker, Todd Bohely could have
already earned a head start after having met with super-agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal
to discuss the player's future.
The report adds that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who sees his contract at Old
Trafford expire in just 12 months, has already been offered to Bayern Munich, but the German
giants have baulked at the proposal.