It’s the summer of 2022, and BlueCo have just completed their takeover of Chelsea from Roman Abramovich. That first summer saw Chelsea spend big, but it could have been even bigger.
Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly all arrived at Stamford Bridge for a combined fee of more than £200m. It was a signal of intent, with Chelsea spending more in January.
DISCUSS: Jarrod Bowen is a better signing than Rafael Leao…
Chelsea have been linked with both this summer.
Enzo Fernandez headlined another crazy window as BlueCo entered a world they were inexperienced in. Todd Boehly proved that by saying he only signed Cucurella because he knew Man City were interested.
But as aforementioned, Chelsea could have spent a whole lot more that season. They made a whopping £86m bid to sign a Portugal international, only for that deal to fall through and the player stayed put.
Chelsea can sign Rafael Leao for half the price this summer
Milan were in a brilliant position in 2022. They had just won the Scudetto and boasted some brilliant young talent, including Milan winger Rafael Leao who had a hand in 26 goals and assists during 21-22.
AC Milan v Feyenoord - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Chelsea made a huge £86m offer for Leao. But the former Lille star stayed put at the San Siro and has remained for seven years in a Milan shirt, playing 291 times.
Now, Leao’s representatives have offered their client to Chelsea among other clubs. Talks are open with Leao, supposedly desperate to test his skills in the Premier League. Now, he can go for just £43m.
What Rafael Leao said about his future over the weekend
The 52-time Portugal international was being linked with the exit door ahead of the summer, after receiving boos from Milan supporters during 2025-26. It feels like Leao’s stint at Milan is at an end.
Speaking to Portuguese media over the weekend, Leao confirmed he is leaving the Serie A side and Italy as a whole. It is clear that Leao wants to experience a different way of life, and England could be that.
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Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
“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,” Leao said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
For a £43m fee, Chelsea would be getting themselves a real bargain. Not least, because just four years ago, Chelsea tried to sign him for double that figure. Yes, he is older, but Chelsea need experience.
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