Jorge Mendes ‘offers’ 23-year-old Chelsea target to Real Madrid

Chelsea suffer Rafael Leao transfer blow as the agent makes Real Madrid approach

According to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have suffered a blow in their potential pursuit of Rafael Leao as agent Jorge Mendes has offered him to Real Madrid.

Leao has been a Chelsea target for some time. His current contract with AC Milan expires in the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt). There are no definite updates on whether he will extend his stay in Italy.

Although the report states that Mendes appears to offer the Portugal international to Madrid, the European champions may not necessarily spend big money on a left winger because they have one of the best players in that position – Vinicius Jr.

Leao has been one of the best players in Serie A in the last 18 months. After playing a key role in leading Milan to a Scudetto win last season, he has followed that up with nine goals and 10 assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

However, as good as the 23-year-old is, Chelsea spent £88.5m on left winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in the January window. They have Christopher Nkunku due to arrive in the summer. The Frenchman can operate on the left or as a support striker – the two positions Leao plays best.

So, after spending that amount of money on two players, will it be feasible to fork out the cash for Leao? One would suspect not to be the case.

We all know that Chelsea need a number nine who can score 20+ goals per season consistently. They have a lot of wingers and attacking midfielders in their book, those players need a goal scorer up top.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea confirm loaning out of Andrey Santos back to Vasco da Gama
• Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique emerge as favourites to succeed Graham Potter at Chelsea
• Napoli ready to splash the cash to keep Chelsea target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

The Blues are linked with Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who probably has been the best striker in Europe this season. The Nigerian international has not ruled out a summer move too.