There are a number of areas where Chelsea need to improve this summer. One of them has to be their left flank. It has been a problem position for years, since Eden Hazard’s departure in 2019. For a little while, it had looked like Christian Pulisic could be a possible solution but it clearly did not work out. Several other signings have failed as well.
Last summer, Chelsea did splash out trying to find a solution there. Alejandro Garnacho was brought in from Manchester United for £40 million. On the other hand, it took a £52 million transfer fee to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
It would be an understatement to say that it has not worked out. Those two have not even come close to meeting expectations. So, expect Chelsea to try and sign another winger this summer. Rafael Leao is someone who has been linked. And there is some positive news in that regard.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leao has decided to leave AC Milan this summer. He told Sport TV:
“I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want new chapter. I feel ready to play in another league.
“I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.”
Rafael Leao confirms decision to leave AC Milan amid Chelsea links
Obviously, this is not the first time Chelsea have been linked with Leao. He has been on the radar of the club going back to the pre-BlueCo days.
But the move has never happened. Leao has remained at AC Milan for much longer than anticipated. Now, it looks like the chance is there to sign him.
Leao has lost his importance at AC Milan in recent times. He has gone from the face of the club to just another name on the team sheet. And it looks like that has led to him deciding to leave.
Chelsea could be an interesting destination for him for sure. There is a spot on the roster for him. But would he be the right addition.
Can Leao meet Chelsea’s expectations?
Of course, there is always going to be a risk when signing players from the Serie A. The Italian league is known for a slow and tactical style of football.
On the other hand, the Premier League is fast and physical. Would someone like Leao be able to adapt to the game after so many years in Serie A?
Also, many would question the idea behind signing a player who has looked out of form. Should not Chelsea be going for someone on an upward trajectory rather than the opposite?
Then again, when it comes to proven quality and experience, Leao has that in abundance. And while it has not been the best season for him, that does not mean that he has been poor. On the contrary, he has still scored 10 goals and provided three assists despite playing less than 2000 minutes of football.
At 26 years of age, he should still have plenty of football left in the tank as well. It would be a rare occasion when Chelsea sign someone entering their prime. Now, it remains to be seen if they make a move or this stays just speculation.