Cristiano Ronaldo ticks all the boxes for Chelsea, says Paul Merson, who urges Thomas Tuchel to make transfer move

CHELSEA should sign Cristiano Ronaldo because he "ticks all of their boxes", according to former Arsenal star Paul Merson.

The Portuguese superstar, 37, has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.

But he has struggled to find a club to take him, with the likes of Bayern Munich ruling themselves out of a move.

Chelsea had been heavily linked with the Real Madrid legend, but last month they too ruled themselves out of a deal.

It is something Merson cannot wrap his head around, particularly following their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday.

The Blues dominated their London rivals but failed to take their chances and were undone by a stoppage-time equaliser.

Speaking to , Merson said: "I cannot believe they didn't or haven't gone in for Cristiano Ronaldo. He just ticks all of the boxes Chelsea are lacking.

"Playing for Chelsea is not like playing for Manchester United, who are working from the halfway line.

"Chelsea are on the edge of the box, dominating games.

"Chelsea have unbelievable wing-backs, they dominate football matches, if they were putting the ball into the box for Ronaldo I would dread to think how many goals he could score."

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Chelsea are keen to replace Romelu Lukaku this summer and have been linked with a move for Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

However, it was reported on Monday that the former Arsenal man is happy to stay at the Nou Camp.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's future remains up in the air despite United being two games into the new season.

Erik ten Hag's side have lost both Prem matches so far - 2-1 to Brighton and 4-0 to Brentford.

One potential move for Ronaldo remains a return to Sporting Lisbon on loan.

If he cannot find a transfer before the end of the window then he will be forced to play in the Europa League for the first time in his career.