Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is reportedly due to hold talks with AC Milan chiefs over the possibility of a future transfer for Portuguese winger Rafael Leao, with the two sides set to meet in the Champions League.
The Blues submitted a late bid for Leao on transfer deadline day this summer but were quickly rebuffed in their attempts as Milan viewed the offer as too low and were not willing to part ways with a star player.
However, reports in Italy have backed both sides to re-enter conversation over a potential deal for the wideman ahead of Wednesday night's clash at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea look to reignite their plot of an audacious move for Leao next year.
According to Calciomercato, the Champions League fixture was seen as a great chance for the two clubs to discuss potential transfers by Boehly. The report adds the American tycoon had planned to meet with senior Milan officials to discuss Leao’s prospective switch to west London.
Milan inserted a £130million release clause into Leao’s contract when they signed him on a five-year-deal from Lille in 2019, with technical director Paolo Maldini informing Chelsea that they would have to pay the eye-watering amount if they wish to complete a deal.
On top of this, Milan are under no pressure to sell the Portuguese, who is under contract until 2024, and are also said to be engaged in contract talks with the player and his agent in order to secure his long-term future in Italy.
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However, Maldini recently told La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, that Leao is not ‘unsellable’, meaning there is every chance a deal can be struck for a player who recorded 14 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season. He already has four goals and seven assists from nine games this campaign.
Calciomercato also state that Milan are interested in signing Christian Pulisic and will discuss his potential future at the same time, meaning a player-plus-cash deal could be utilised by the Blues if they opt against paying over the odds for Leao.
But with recent reports claiming that Chelsea have already agreed a deal in principle to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku next summer, it begs the question of whether they also need Leao. Whatever happens with that deal could decide the Brazilian’s future.
One man who may be keeping his eye on proceedings is midfielder Mason Mount, who has had a slow start to the season - with just one assist in nine games - and is at risk of being replaced by either Nkunku or Leao next year.
England manager Gareth Southgate received plenty of stick for opting to stick with Mount, among other underperforming stars, in the most recent round of internationals over the likes of Leicester 's James Maddison, who took his tally to five goals and two assists this season on Monday night.
talkSPORT pundit and former Tottenham striker Darren Bent went so far as to say that he would have Maddison in his side, even if it came at the expense of Mount, while the Englishman’s form this season could also have a say in whether Chelsea feel they need to sign both Nkunku and Leao next summer.
