Arsenal and Chelsea have been given a new update on Cristiano Ronaldo, amid speculation about the striker’s future. The 37-year-old has been extensively linked with a move away from Manchester United on several times this season, and a candid interview with Pier Morgan did not go well.
The striker’s future at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly uncertain as his relationship with the club appears irreparable, with Erik ten Hag said to be ‘furious.’ With the Red Devils reportedly seeking legal advice on Ronaldo’s future, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could be available for free as early as January.
Naturally, many of Europe’s biggest sides – including Arsenal and Chelsea – have been linked with signing the Portuguese star but there seems to be confusion as to who is actually interested in tabling an offer. According to the Daily Mail, Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes met officials from Bayern Munich last week.
It’s said that the veteran striker is beginning to consider his options away from United and the Bundesliga champions have been identified as a suitable destination, if the report is to be believed. However, German outlet BILD have claimed otherwise, stating that a meeting did not take place and Bayern are not, in fact, interested in Ronaldo.
Todd Boehly met the striker’s agent, Jorge Mendes, in the summer to discuss a potential move, according to The Athletic. A deal failed to materialise and the west Londoners signed Raheem Sterling instead.
Funnily enough, Pep Guardiola has addressed comparisons between the Chelsea star and Ronaldo three years ago. Speaking of Sterling, the Manchester City boss said: “I’m so happy for him, for the way he’s playing here and with the national team, but hopefully he won’t read too much.
“He cannot listen to these kind of things – that wouldn’t be good for him, because nobody can compare with Cristiano or Messi,” the Spaniard added. “I’m so happy with what he’s done since we’ve been together, not just right now.
“Everything that has happened to him has been good because he has an incredible work ethic and is an incredibly nice guy. I’m delighted for him.”
Then, later in the same press conference, Guardiola hinted that he might tell Sterling otherwise. He added: “It would be a dream for him for all of us. If Raheem can target that level – wow.
“We will be here to help him and of course he can do it but I will not be the guy to put limits to cancel it, to say don’t don’t think about that. No, absolutely not – I want it.
“But right now, nobody but not in this club, or in all the clubs in the world, can compare with these two guys and what they have done every single week during 10 years. They are absolute legends and nobody can compare, nobody.”
