Chelsea Reportedly Pursuing Cristiano Ronaldo With Offer Higher Than His Current Value

Premier League giant Chelsea is reportedly planning a shocking move for Juventus ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

After being criticized over a missed penalty during the Coppa final against Milan, Juve talisman Ronaldo has made headlines once again. This time around, the Portuguese icon has been linked to Chelsea in what could become an epic Premier League return.

According to Caslciomercato (via Besoccer.com), The Blues are reportedly cooking up big plans for Ronaldo with a €120 million ($136 million) offer. While the possible transfer is expected to be complicated, the report revealed that the key to the completion of the deal is Ronaldo’s trusted agent, Jorge Mendes. Sources claimed that Mendes is heavily in favor of the deal and is very likely to work things out once both parties show mutual interest.

The insider also claimed that it is the agent who has convinced Chelsea to put the massive bid on the table in an attempt to lure Ronaldo. The figure is reportedly just slightly higher than what Juventus paid ($113.4 million) to get the five-time Ballon d’Or winner out of Real Madrid in 2018.

Looking at Chelsea’s initial offer to sign the superstar, it appears that it is still significantly higher than Ronaldo’s current market value. The report further stated that despite consistently being one of the most lethal strikers in the world and in history, Ronaldo’s market value is surprisingly just over €40 million ($45 million). The 35-year-old has evidently made his mark in Serie A, and reports claimed that The Old Lady board doesn’t have any intention of letting him leave at this point.

Aside from Juventus’ unwillingness to let go of Ronaldo, the main obstacle for Chelsea is the Portuguese star’s current contract. Ronaldo is under contract until 2022, and it is expected to cause a series of complications both financially and legally. However, the Blues are expected to have a leverage in the deal because of the downward fluctuation that the market will suffer this summer due to the coronavirus crisis. Sources speculated that the €120 million ($136 million) may be worth considerably more than it seems in a just matter of weeks.

The idea of the Ronaldo transfer seems to contrast what Chelsea has been inclined to do. It is evident that the club has been leaning towards younger players, including many from their academy, and Ronaldo is the only aging player who has been linked to them recently.