Ronaldo and Neymar not among Chelsea's six dream signings - here's who is
Cameron Smith
- 4 Jul 2022 14:52 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea are one of just a handful of Premier League teams yet to make any summer signings, despite promises from Todd Boehly.
The American billionaire reportedly made a 'war-chest' of funds available to head coach Thomas Tuchel for use this transfer window, but that hasn't yielded any results in the market as of yet.
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The Blues have been active in negotiations with several top targets, but the trigger hasn't been pulled on any major deals. On the other hand, Chelsea's closest rivals have already strengthened heavily.
Liverpool have added the services of Darwin Nunez and Calvin Ramsay, Manchester City have signed Erling Haaland, Stefan Ortega and Kalvin Phillips, Arsenal have added Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus, while Tottenham have acquired Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Richarlison.
However, Chelsea are expecting to add multiple new faces before the window slams shut. In fact, new Chelsea owners Boehly and Clearlake Capital have reportedly promised Tuchel at least six new signings this summer.
The Evening Standard have reported that Chelsea have been offered the opportunity to sign both Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo this window, but Tuchel remains unconvinced.
Ronaldo, 37, has asked Manchester United to accept any bids that come in for him this summer as he looks for the Old Trafford exit door. The Portuguese star reportedly wants to continue playing Champions League football and hasn't been impressed with the club's summer business so far.
On the other hand, Paris Saint-Germain are willing to listen to offers for Neymar as Luis Campos prepares a new era at the club. Campos has taken over as sporting advisor and has already added Vitinha from FC Porto. Speculation from France has suggested that incoming new head coach Christophe Galtier is weighing up the idea of switching to a 3-5-2 formation to get the most out of Achraf Hakimi and balance the side better, which leaves Neymar in the cold.
The Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella has reported that representatives of both Ronaldo and Neymar have approached Boehly in an attempt to persuade the American to consider a move.
However, it's believed that Tuchel isn't convinced by signing either following the events that transpired when adding Romelu Lukaku for a large sum last summer. The German has fears of signing a superstar again due to the disruption of balance it may cause the team.
Who might Chelsea sign?
With Ronaldo and Neymar unlikely to join, there are still six spots up for grabs if Boehly's promise of six new signings is to come true.
Raheem Sterling is expected to be the first, with Chelsea currently in talks with the player over a move from Manchester City.
Leeds United forward Raphinha is another major target, but the Blues have been dealt a blow after the Brazilian told his agent Deco that he wishes to join Barcelona. The silver lining for Chelsea is they've had a £55 million (€65m) bid accepted by the Yorkshire club.
Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as Chelsea's number one defensive target, and his arrival could lead to an alteration in formation.
Sevilla's Jules Kounde remains an option at centre-back, but like with Raphinha, he may join Barcelona.
Signing wing-back depth is also an problem area in need of attention and Chelsea are interested in a move for Lens full-back Jonathan Clauss, according to Goal.
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice remains the dream midfield signing, although it seems as though Chelsea will be forced to wait until next year to go in for him thanks to the East London side's huge asking price.
