Chelsea have suffered a major setback in their pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao after his agent Jorge Mendes approached Real Madrid regarding a potential summer transfer move. The Blues' interest in Leao goes back to last summer when Milan turned down approaches for the 23-year-old.
The Portuguese winger is in talks with the Rossoneri over a new contract, with his agent dismissing any possibility of an exit at this stage. Chelsea have been able to get a closer look at Leao this season after facing AC Milan in their Champions League group stage campaign.
The 23-year-old has done little to quieten down the potential move, with his impressive performances continuing to garner attention. Leao has good friendship with Chelsea star Reece James, with the pair having shared messages of praise for one another on social media.
READ MORE: Rafael Leao makes major AC Milan admission in response to Chelsea transfer links
Leao has already admitted he would one day like to play in the Premier League but has now cast doubt over a summer switch to Stamford Bridge. "I don’t like the weather there [in England]," the 23-year-old said in an interview on YouTube, via the Metro.
"I went shopping the first time I went to London. I like Milan, the duomo, the malls, the clubs and food are superior," the Portugal international continued.
Speaking about Chelsea’s attempt to sign Leao last summer, AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini said: "Rafa knows that to become stronger than now the solution is to stay with us. Chelsea’s officially written offer did not arrive but on an informal level it did, of course, it was rejected."
The Blues have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Leao with his agent approaching Spanish giants Real Madrid over a potential summer move for his client. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mendes offered the Portuguese striker to Real Madrid last month, but the La Liga giants are unwilling to make a big-money offer for the 23-year-old, considering they already have a top player in Vinicius Junior playing on the left wing.
Negotiations have not continued with Madrid, but that could change the closer we get to the summer transfer window. Chelsea will hope that Leao's dream of playing in the Premier League will help them convince him over a move to Stamford Bridge.
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