AC Milan star Rafael Leao has been advised against joining Chelsea due to Graham Potter's team selection headache. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer as Thomas Tuchel looked to bolster his side's frontline.
And, even after the German's sacking, the Blues are said to still be monitoring the forward's situation at the San Siro. But, according to former Rossoneri striker Jean Pierre Papin, Leao should steer away from penning a deal in west London, with the newly-appointed Chelsea boss already treated to a wealth of attacking options which poses a problem.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Football Italia, he gave his thoughts on the speculation regarding the Portuguese star's future. Papin said: "Maldini said that if he wants to become even stronger, he must stay. I agree with Paolo.
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"Leao must look at Chelsea's squad and ask himself: 'How much space would I find as a starter? At Milan, he is untouchable," the former Milan striker added. "He knows how to express himself, and he knows his teammates perfectly. Staying and growing in the Rossoneri is the best choice."
In July, The Telegraph reported that Leao surfaced as an option for Chelsea. The report stated that Todd Boehly was working on a deal to sign the Portugal international, with the possibility of 'one or more' Blues players being included in a player-plus-cash swap deal.
A deal failed to materialise, but it's believed that Leao is still on Chelsea's radar. Corriere dello Sport, as quoted by Milan News, say that the Blues are monitoring the forward's contract talks with Milan.
The report adds that he wants in the region of £ 118,000 per week and for the Italian giants to contribute towards the £14million he was told to pay former club Sporting Lisbon. With an agreement yet to be made and no shortage of time, Papin's words of wisdom could urge Leao to snub Chelsea.
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