Zlatan Ibrahimovic tells 23-year-old Chelsea target to not leave AC Milan

Ibrahimovic suggests Chelsea target Rafael Leao to not leave AC Milan

As quoted by Metro, star striker and legend of the game Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested that Chelsea target Rafael Leao should not move away from AC Milan.

The Blues wanted to sign the Portuguese winger in the preceding summer window, but the Serie A side held out for more money.

Since then, Chelsea have been linked with the 23-year-old, whose contract at San Siro expires in the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt). So, if he doesn’t sign an extension soon, he will reach the final 12 months of his contract in Italy.

Talking about Leao’s improvement at Milan and his future, here’s Ibrahimovic (h/t Metro):

“Of course, Milan is the right environment for him. Just look at his growth, when he arrived, he was far from the decisive player he is today. Here he is very important for us, elsewhere would he be as important? He would have to start from scratch, you can’t be sure he would be ready right away.”

As much as what Ibrahimovic is saying is correct, Chelsea could do with a player like Leao coming and adding an extra bit of quality to the forward line.

Although he didn’t usually start games in the World Cup, the 23-year-old showed how good he is even in glimpses. He has been excellent for Milan though in the last 18 months.

A few weeks ago, as quoted by Football. London, Leao’s father talked about the player being comfortable and happy at Milan and positive talks are going on about his extension.

But, a few days Express reported that the player is turning down the contract offer made by the Serie A champions. Hence, Chelsea have the boost needed to sign him.

We don’t know how this soap opera-esque transfer saga will end. However, one thing is guaranteed- Leao is a top class player who can improve the current Chelsea forward line manyfold times.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea handed a major boost in their bid to sign England midfielder Declan Rice
• Injury Update: Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah returns to training
• Manchester United eager to sign Chelsea target Denzel Dumfries

So, if we manage to complete his signature, along with the fact that Christopher Nkunku is due to arrive next summer, our forward line is slowly taking shape to be a belter.