“I’m ready to play for Chelsea now”- World best player admit interest to takeover jersey number 7 as N’golo Kante finally bid goodbye at Stamford Bridge

The 37-year-old was desperate to leave Man Utd over the summer and saw a move to Chelsea fall through, although he may have been handed a fresh lifeline in his bid to join the Blues.

Chelsea lacked a cutting edge once again as they were held to a 1-1 draw by RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Graham Potter with much to work on following his first game in charge of the Blues.

Summer signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failed to impress for a second game running despite providing the assist for Raheem Sterling’s goal, and his worrying performance may have just handed Cristiano Ronaldo another lifeline in his quest to escape Manchester United.

Thomas Tuchel’s exit had already reignited some hope in the 37-year-old’s chances of joining the Blues in January, but those hopes may have increased even further after former Brighton manager Potter was told he needs an urgent fix for Aubameyang’s below-par performances.

Transfer Deadline: Man United terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, as he finally joined Chelsea

When discussing players who were lacking confidence in the draw with Salzburg on Wednesday, former England striker Peter Crouch told BT Sport :

“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well the last few games. I think there’s a few players suffering with a little bit of a lack of confidence so that’s something he [Potter] really needs to address.”