Chelsea are interested in signing AC Milan star Rafael Leao
Chelsea have not been at their best in the last couple of months, struggling for creativity and goals. The players have looked devoid of confidence, imagination and energy at times as well, which could be down to the amount of games the Blues have played this season.
Of course, injuries have played their part with boss Enzo Maresca missing some key players. The departure of Joao Felix on loan to AC Milan in the January transfer window have also not helped, while forwards Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke remain out injured.
The Pensioners have looked toothless in attack of late, with Cole Palmer suffering his first real dip in form since arriving from Manchester City in 2023. Thus, signing a forward who can create and score goals in equal measure should be the club’s target during the off-season.
According to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato, Chelsea have made initial contacts with the representatives of AC Milan star Rafael Leao ahead of a possible summer swoop.
Chelsea target Rafael Leao intends to stay put at AC Milan.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao is wanted by Chelsea. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Rafael Leao has established himself as one of the best forwards in Serie A in recent seasons. He had played a key role in AC Milan winning the Scudetto during the 2021/22 campaign. The Portuguese also had a fantastic last term, where he ended up with 15 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.
The 25-year-old, like most of his teammates, has struggled to live up to the high expectations this season, and while he has registered 18 goal contributions in 38 appearances, his performances have left a lot to be desired. However, that has not done any harm to Leao’s stock with several European bigwigs vying for his signature.
As Milan look in danger of missing out on a place in the Champions League next season, they are willing to accept an offer of €100 million for Leao, having lowered their previous valuation of €175m—which is his release clause.
After blowing hot and cold, the aforementioned report adds that the Rossoneri are ready to sell their star Portuguese forward for much less than his release clause.
Enzo Maresca bemoans 'know how' that threatens to derail Chelsea title charge.
Enzo Maresca would love to have a talent like Rafael Leao in his Chelsea ranks next season
This would give Chelsea a window of opportunity to swoop in for a player, who at 25, still has the best years ahead of him. Leao is a top player with proven European pedigree, someone who would immediately enhance the Blues’ attacking ranks and bring competition within the squad. On his day, the ex-Lille man can be simply unplayable thanks to his flair, dribbling, movement and unpredictability.
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Chelsea have not been afraid to splash the cash under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital regime, and if Leao becomes attainable in the summer, expects the chiefs to not hesitate to break the bank for him. All in all, he has the required tools to become a sensational, game-changing signing for Maresca’s squad.