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What's the story?
Cristiano Ronaldo has three offers to leave Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 from Chelsea, Paris St-Germain and LA Galaxy, according to reports in Spanish radio and British news outlet, The Daily Express. Florentino Perez is refusing to extend Ronaldo's contract, having already given him improved terms with a new contract last year. With Los Blancos already looking to replace the Portuguese superstar with Neymar, Ronaldo's time at Madrid seems to be coming to an end. Chelsea, PSG and LA Galaxy have already met with Ronaldo's representatives and outlined their personal terms, but Madrid might demand a massive fee in the region of £150 million to fund their other purchases.
Also Read: 5 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Real Madrid
In case you didn't know...
Cristiano Ronaldo last signed a new contract with Madrid in November 2016, then having committed his future to the club until 2021, with Florentino Perez even ensuring that there was a prohibitive release clause of €1 billion. However, it seems that Real Madrid are now open to a sale, and the release clause will not be met.
The heart of the matter
While Real Madrid would be naturally reluctant to let their talisman leave, Ronaldo's form this season has been less than impressive, with the forward struggling to score in La Liga, although he's continued his stellar UEFA Champions League scoring rate.
However, Ronaldo believes that Real Madrid should offer him improved terms in line with Lionel Messi's new contract at Barcelona, which is far more lucrative. The Portuguese superstar recently picked up his 5th Ballon d'Or and thus feels he is deserving of a pay raise. Madrid remain wary of offering the 32-year-old improved terms, and are thus looking to cash out.
Surprisingly, reports in Spain claim that Chelsea lead the race, not Manchester United. Ronaldo has previously spoken of his desire to return to England in a trial with the Spanish tax authorities and the Blues are ready to meet his wage demands. PSG and LA Galaxy also have offered Ronaldo a high wage, although the forward isn't too keen on moving to 'smaller' leagues.
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Author's Take:
Letting Cristiano Ronaldo go would sound like heresy to some, but Real Madrid ought to really consider the value of cashing out at the right moment. However, the move only makes sense if Los Blancos can sign either one of Neymar or Kylian Mbappe to replace him, since they will have to make up the loss of quality on the football pitch.
