For years, Rafael Leao has been linked with a move to the Premier League and Chelsea have been among his long-term suitors. This summer, Leao could well move to English football.
With AC Milan finishing in seventh place in Serie A and only managing to qualify for the Conference League, Portugal star Leao could join Milan’s staff in leaving. Manager Max Allegri has already left.
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One of Xabi Alonso’s priority positions this summer will be a new left-sided winger. Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have failed to live up to the hype, after the duo arrived last summer for £100m.
Jesse Derry, Geovany Quenda and Estevao are all supremely talented, but they all remain in their teens. Chelsea will want a senior left winger and Leao fits the bill. But his latest comments are not encouraging.
Rafael Leao prefers Manchester United and Arsenal
Amid the noise that Leao is desperate for a move to the Premier League this summer, and reports saying he could leave for as cheap as £50m, Leao has added fuel to the fire over a potential move to England.
Napoli v AC Milan - Serie A
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Indeed, speaking to BBC Sport as per Alfredo Pedulla’s website, Leao was asked which Premier League club he prefers. Because of Cristiano Ronaldo, he picked Man United – but has admiration for Arsenal.
“Of course, I watch the Premier League a lot. I like Manchester United especially for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol, but Arsenal is also a team I follow on TV,” Leao said, when asked for his preferred side.
Leao would be the perfect summer signing on the left
Power, pace, trickery and goals. Leao has it all and ticks every box for Chelsea as they go hunting for a left winger. Recently booed by Milan, it is quite clear that he wants to leave the Italian giants this summer.
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But Chelsea have a glaring problem. Their lack of European football next season is going to make it very difficult to tempt players to choose Stamford Bridge, especially when rival clubs boast European football.
If Arsenal, who are also in the market for a left-sided winger, become interested in Leao, then it is an easy pick for the Portuguese talent. But if Leao is available, then Chelsea and Alonso simply have to move.
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