Rafael Leao was on Chelsea's transfer radar. (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
According to the Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are monitoring the contract situation of their summer target Rafael Leao. The player is in new contract talks with his club AC Milan.
The Portuguese winger wants around £118,000 per week in his new contract. He also wants Milan to contribute towards the £14m he is ordered to pay to his former club Sporting Club by the Portuguese Super Court for breaching his contract four years ago.
Leao was a late summer target for Chelsea, but they were put off because Milan pointed to a £127m release clause he has in his contract.
However, with the new wage demands from the winger, the Italian club are thinking twice before agreeing with this and making an offer.
The 23-year-old is one of the sought-after wingers around Europe. He scored 11 goals and assisted 10 in 34 league appearances last season while playing a key part in Milan winning the Scudetto after a decade.
The Portugal international is predominantly a left winger but can operate on the other side or as a support striker. He has the qualities to improve the forward line of any team.
Chelsea are right in monitoring Leao’s contract situation. He is one player who can upgrade the level of their wide attacking areas, especially after the underwhelming showings from the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic.
If there is an opportunity, the Blues should test Milan’s waters in the January window. The player has a contract with the Italian club until the summer of 2024. So, if nothing gets sorted out by January or next summer, the negotiation to get the player would be easier.
Chelsea also have a line of communication with San Siro if we consider the recent business done by the two clubs. The Blues offloaded Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud to I Rossoneri last summer while also loaning Tiemoue Bakayoko on a temporary basis.
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