Chelsea could sign AC Milan superstar on cut-price deal this summer

Chelsea could sign Rafael Leao in the summer fro AC Milan

After failing to sign him during the winter transfer window, Chelsea may be able to sign Rafael Leao in a less expensive deal in the summer. According to Tuttosport (h/t Football.London), Leao’s worth has decreased from around £88.4 million to £61.8 million.

The Portuguese contract at AC Milan is also set to expire next year (Transfermarkt), and negotiations to extend it are still going on. The 23-year-old, according to his representation, wants to continue playing for AC Milan.

Nonetheless, considering his contract’s expiration and declining market worth for a transfer, Chelsea might able to get him for a much cheaper price next season.

However, it’s thought that the 23-year-old’s departure next summer will become more questionable if the negotiations stretch on with AC Milan.

Leao has been outstanding this season for the Serie A team; in 28 Serie A games, he has eight goals and seven assists, and he has been a regular starter for the seven-time Champions League winner a just 23. He helped them win the Scudetto last season and was the Serie A Player of the Year award winner.

The pacy Portugal international is fast approaching the prime of his career and has shown that he can make and finish off chances in the final third. He could be a prolific winger for us, if we find a place for him in the XI.

Graham Potter has struggled to create a balanced group under Todd and has rotated his starting eleven during the games since there have been fewer departures and more signings. Prior to making any additional signings, we must start to offload.

Leao plays on the left flank, and Chelsea already have enough players in that position, so signing him seems illogical; it would simply complicate Potter’s job even though it will increase our overall quality a lot. Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling and loaned-out Callum Hudson-Odoi can play there.

Not to mention, we spent a huge sum to bring in Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke just this winter.

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Even the though the apparent drop in price is enticing, it’s just not making sense for us. We are far better off investing that money on a centre-forward – a position we desperately have to add players in.