THREE strikers Chelsea prefer to Cristiano Ronaldo

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a potential move to Chelsea in January, but the prospect of a deal taking place is limited.

Manager Graham Potter is not heavily invested in a transfer for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at present, with the former Brighton manager having priorities elsewhere in the side, most notably in midfield.

If he does get the opportunity to move for a forward, though, Ben Jacobs has revealed that there are three players above Ronaldo on his shortlist. But who are they?

Ronaldo faces familiar Chelsea transfer problem ahead of January window

Jonathan David – Lille

The Canada international has been in red-hot form in Ligue 1 this season, with nine goals in his first 12 games of the season for Lille. The 22-year-old runs the channels well, is strong, brings others into the game well and has a keen eye for goal.

On Sunday, he turned in one of his most impressive displays of the campaign in a thrilling 4-3 victory over Monaco. He didn’t score but his overall performance was of a high standard and if Potter and Chelsea were watching, they would doubtless have been impressed by the manner in which he led the line.

FootballTransfers Valuation: €52m

Rafael Leao – AC Milan

One of the most discussed talents in the game over the summer, the 23-year-old forward has typically been playing a wide left role for Milan in recent months, surpassing expectations spectacularly in that position.

Scored 11 goals and created 10 more in 34 games as Milan won Serie A last season and has started this term in similarly decisive form. In just 10 outings, he is already up to five goals and five assists.

One major off-putting factor for the former Lille striker is the Rossoneri’s asking price, which is believed to be around the €100m mark.

FootballTransfers Valuation: €43m

MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo transfer news LIVE

Ivan Toney – Brentford

What a signing Ivan Toney has been for Brentford! When he arrived from Peterborough in the summer of 2020, big things were expected of him, but the Bees could not have dreamed he would have exploded in the manner that he has.

Ticks a big box in that he has Premier League experience, scoring eight times in just 12 games for Thomas Frank’s side this season, but he will turn 27 in the summer and Chelsea are seeking to build a bright young team. Nevertheless, if the price was right, the future England international would definitely come into the equation.

FootballTransfers Valuation: €35m