Transfer News: Chelsea have held talks with AC Milan star Rafael Leao
According to journalist Simon Phillips (via Givemesport), Chelsea have held talks with the representatives of talented Portuguese starlet Rafael Leao of AC Milan over a possible move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Chelsea will have to spend as much as £127million if they want the Serie A giants to sell their prized asset and especially so close to the end of the transfer window, it seems almost impossible that the defending Italian champions sell the player.
Why Chelsea want a player with Rafael Leao’s profile is another question that needs to be answered. The Blues are relatively well stocked in the wide areas and what they actually need is a proper striker. The Portuguese international’s abilities are best utilised on the wing.
For a winger, Leao is exceptionally tall at 188cms, but he uses his strength and physicality to beat players and maraud the left flank. The Portuguese talent has formed an exceptional partnership with Theo Hernandez at San Siro and the duo are one of the best full-back-winger pairs in the world.
Leao has a contract with the Rossoneri until 2024 (transfermarkt). This is one thing that could work in favour of Chelsea. If the Italian giants fail to sell him this summer and Leao refuses to agree to a new deal, then they could risk losing the talented Portuguese for a bargain price next summer.
However, this thought is far-fetched. There is no guarantee that Leao will not agree to a new deal with AC Milan and he could very much choose to stay in Italy. Regardless, Chelsea cannot be hit out for trying to sign a player who has the potential to be a genuine superstar.
Leao joined AC Milan from Lille in 2019. He has been one of the best wide men in the Italian top flight. He would be a great signing for any club but for the cost at which he is set to be available, the Blues would be wiser to wait for a transfer window on this deal.
Leao has started this season on a pretty decent note scoring one goal and providing one assist in three Serie A games. He is set to be a key part of AC Milan’s title defence if he stays and it seems likely that he will stay in San Siro as things stand.
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It remains to be seen how this interest from the Blues develops. As things stand, it doesn’t seem like this interest is anything meaningful but we could be in for surprises.