AC Milan eager to resolve 23-year-old Chelsea target’s future in January

Transfer News: Chelsea set to be handed a timeframe in their pursuit of Rafael Leao

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (Football. London), AC Milan are keen to solve the transfer issue for Portuguese forward Rafael Leao by January. This comes amid heavy interest in the player from Chelsea.

It is believed that the Serie A champions want to solve the forward’s future by January, with the 23-year-old about to enter the final 18 months of his current contract next month.

Milan want £105 million for their star forward and will look to acquire as much as possible in the winter transfer window. Should the forward not extend his contract or no offer is made, his value will decrease next summer.

Chelsea are in need to reinforce their attack this transfer window. Despite bringing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling in the summer, the club has struggled to find the back of the net so far this season.

The Blues have managed to score only 17 goals in 14 league games so far this season, the numbers being the lowest for a team in the top 10. Leao has been in terrific form for the Milan-based club, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances in all competitions so far.

He is also enjoying a decent World Cup with Portugal, scoring two goals in four games. A move for him would make sense this winter, but his price could be a stumbling block for the west London club.

But if the Blues remain patient, they could get the forward for a lower price next summer, as he will only have one year left in his contract. This could however prove to be risky for the club as someone else could take up an interest in the player or the 23-year-old could sign a new deal with the Rossoneri.

More Chelsea News:

• AC Milan readying bid to sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech on loan with option to buy
• Chelsea star Christian Pulisic backed to be the USA’s best player of all time by former Liverpool goalkeeper
• Arsenal and Chelsea are set to battle it out to sign Porto winger Pepe

It remains to be seen what the Blues will do in the winter transfer window.