Chelsea handed Rafael Leao blow as AC Milan step up contract talks. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to 90min (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have entered the transfer race to sign highly sought after Portuguese youngster Rafael Leão in the summer transfer window.
Thomas Tuchel’s team will be prepared for a hectic few weeks of transfer activity in the hopes of closing the gap between Manchester City and Liverpool, who are currently leading the Premier League championship race.
By the end of the 2021/22 season, the Blues had risen to third place in the standings, ahead of London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, who were fourth and fifth, respectively. It was however miles away from the top two teams in the league.
With some of Chelsea’s present options failing in front of the goal throughout the campaign, attacking reinforcements may be a major area to focus on in the window. According to 90min (h/t Football.London), The Blues are said to be ‘keeping tabs’ on Milan attacker Leao as they prepare for next season.
Last season, the 22-year-old, who has also played for the Portuguese national team seven times, appeared 42 times for the San Siro in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and assisting on 12 occasions.
Leao is primarily used as a left-winger, but he can also play in the centre. As a result, if Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, or Hakim Ziyech depart, he can step in.
Going into the transfer window, all four are facing unclear futures. Lukaku wants to return to Inter Milan, Werner has struggled to meet expectations in the front row, and Pulisic and Ziyech have been in and out of the team under Thomas Tuchel. In the 2021-22 season, none of the two offensive midfielders even appeared in half of Chelsea’s Premier League games.
Chelsea will need to identify players in those areas that Tuchel can rely on more in the new period under Todd Boehly’s ownership if they want to maintain making progress toward a championship push.
Leao, at the age of 22, has a lot of potential. He has now made over 100 appearances for Milan and is a full international for Portugal. As a result, he’ll want to play for a team that shares his goals. Milan, after winning the Scudetto, fit the bill for the time being.
However, considering he is a crucial asset for AC Milan, they might be putting up a battle before giving away Leao. If Milan refuses to bargain, Chelsea may have to smash their transfer record to sign him. But a lot would hinge on how far they got with his possible renewal.
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