Cristiano Ronaldo deemed perfect Romelu Lukaku replacement amid Chelsea link

Following speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United, he has been classed as the ideal replacement for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku.

Image of Manchester United' Cristiano Ronaldo

The stories surrounding Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo have flooded the internet in the past few days following his unavailability on the opening day of training at Carrington.

According to reports, the Portuguese star is considering leaving Old Trafford this summer, with his agent said to have offered him to several European clubs.

A report from sources close to Manchester United stated that Ronaldo's absence is related to family issues he intends to resolve in Portugal before returning to England. At the same time, some suggest Ronaldo has grown impatient with Manchester United's slow activity in the transfer market.

Since the opening of the transfer window, Manchester United seem to have been stalked in their transfer negotiations, having signed only left-winger Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.

The Red Devils, who are looking for a huge revamp after releasing Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani, and Juan Mata, have lingered on the transfer of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona in the past month.

While they are unable to sign players, the club's rivals have strengthened their squad despite finishing higher, which may have triggered Ronaldo's desire to leave Old Trafford.

Following the news of Ronaldo's desired move, his agent is said to have approached new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, who is interested in bringing the 37-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Ronaldo has yet to report to Carrington for the third time since the opening of the training camp after spending a holiday with his family

With speculation rife, talkSPORT and ITV Sports broadcaster Sam Matterface believes Cristiano could be the ideal Romelu Lukaku replacement for Chelsea, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options.

"Ronaldo could join Bayern Munich, Napoli or Chelsea." All are options! Sam Matterface said. "I think he would fit Chelsea because they need someone to score goals!”

The Premier League club wants to add some attacking players this summer after loaning out record signing Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan following a disappointing season.

Thomas Tuchel's side finished the last campaign without a trophy and are looking to avoid repeating that with Chelsea exploring the transfer market to bolster their attacks.

Chelsea's manager, Tuchel, regularly used Kai Havertz as a false nine in his formation last season and wishes to have a proper striker this time for the coming campaign.

On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo was an outstanding player on his return to Manchester United after finishing third in the Premier League top scorer list with 18 goals.

The Portuguese has proven to be a reliable source of goals since his return to Old Trafford, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions and helping Manchester United secure a Europa League spot.

Though there have been rumours of Ronaldo joining Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel has yet to approve his signing, as he is focused on securing the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and winning a tough battle for the signature of Leeds United Raphinha.

Ronaldo's agent, George Mendes, is said to be looking into other options, with Bayern Munich being one of the top clubs he has spoken to.