Chelsea appear to have lost significant leverage in the race to sign Rafael Leao this summer. The AC Milan star was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
Leao, who sees his contract with the Rossoneri expire at the end of next season, has been closely watched by the Blues since he joined Milan in 2019, football.london understands. The Portugal international and the Italian side have been in talks over an extension for a while now, and it's said that they've finally reached an agreement which keeps him at the San Siro for a further five-years.
However, that has not stopped Chelsea from trying their luck. According to reports from Italy, Leao was told to pay Sporting CP €20million (£17.5million) after he walked away from the club free of charge in 2018 to join Lille.
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The forward's contract with the Portuguese side was essentially terminated as he felt it was within his right to do so after the club's training ground was stormed by supporters. However, Lille were ordered to pay Sporting compensation by the Court of Arbitration.
With the fee yet to be paid, it became a huge factor over his future. According to A Bola, as quoted by Football Italia, Chelsea pledged to pay the fine to Sporting if Leao left the Rossoneri this summer.
But, desperate to hold onto the forward's services, the fine has finally been settled. According to French publication RMC Sport, Lille have agreed to pay Sporting, with a remaining €1million (£872,000) being left to Leao.
The report states that Milan will then reimburse 90% of the fee the French side are paying. Lille have also reportedly been guaranteed a slice of the profit on a future transfer of Leao, who has a €100million (£87.2million) release clause - though reports from Gazzetta dello Sport claim a release clause in his new contract could be worth around €170million (£148.3million).
Speaking on BT Sport this month, Rio Ferdinand heaped tremendous praise on Leao. The former Manchester United defender said: "Huge potential. All big clubs around the world will be looking to get his signature at some point – no disrespect to AC Milan – but I’m sure at some point one of the other big clubs in Europe will be trying to get him.
"I think the stage is set for someone like him to step out from the crowd and take that spotlight. I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow."
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