According to a report from Calciomercato, Chelsea are looking to reinforce their attack ahead of next season and they have their eyes set on AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. The Blues want more firepower on the flanks and the Portuguese international can certainly help their cause.
He has only gone from strength to strength since joining the Italian giants back in 2019 from LOSC Lille. He has racked up over 10 goals and 10 assists in each of his last four seasons for the club. While the ongoing seasons could be considered one of his worst, he still has 12 goals and 13 assists in his 48 outings.
While the 25-year-old certainly racks up decent numbers every season, he has faced a lot of criticism of late because of his inconsistent performances. Even his commitment to the club has been questioned at times.
Despite all that, the Portuguese international seems quite happy at the club and is keen on winning again with the red and black. While Milan are currently looking for a new sporting director and they certainly have a lot to think about with regards to the upcoming transfer window, they are not really worried about Leao despite all the reports regarding his potential departure.
His contract at the club runs until 2028, and he is protected by a massive €175 million release clause, as a result, AC Milan certainly have nothing to panic about. But things could get complicated as there are clubs who want to prise him away.
While he was an undisputed starter until last season, it hasn’t been the case this time around and clubs could look to make the most out of it. Chelsea are one of the clubs that are interested in the 25-year-old. The Blues want more quality on the left flank and consider Leao an ideal fit for their project.
With Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix’s future uncertain and Mykhailo Mudryk serving a ban, the signing of someone with Leao’s quality can certainly help their cause. They have already made a move towards a potential signing as they have held informal talks with the Portuguese winger’s representatives.
The Blues also have other targets for that position, as a result, it will be interesting to see how things pan out from here on. If they do go ahead with it, they will have to fork out a fortune to get him out of Milan.
