Chelsea may be able to save millions this summer in their approach for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, after missing out on a deal in January. The Portuguese international has continued to be linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge after an impressive few seasons with the Rossoneri.
However, one issue for the Serie A champions to consider is the contract renewal of Leao, which is nearing the end with discussions over an extension continuing. Many clubs could look to take advantage of that fact in the summer window, though his agent revealed that the priority is to stay at the San Siro.
Agent Ted Dimvula told Sky Sports last month: "The player’s priority has not changed: he wants to stay at AC Milan and continue to grow and progress at this club and in this city that he loves so much."
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While that may be the case, if talks continue to drag on, the possibility of an exit may become more and more tangible in the coming months. Chelsea may be handed a boost in landing the 23-year-old too, with the dwindling contract reducing his market value for a transfer.
Tuttosport reports that Leao's value has dropped from roughly £88.4million down to £61.8million, which could see the Blues pay a fraction of the price they would have had to in January. Whether that will be a figure that Milan accept remains to be seen though, given the desire to continue at the club.
For Chelsea, the priority may be to start with exits before further incomings to the squad, but depth in the wide areas could be a priority once some squad players are moved on.
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