The next name down on Chelsea's winger shortlist has been crossed out as Thomas Tuchel continues to search for an answer to his attacking issues. With Raphinha choosing Barcelona over a move to Stamford Bridge, Todd Boehly has been sent on his latest recruitment assignment.
Having already scouted out a 'meal' with Barcelona's directors in an attempt to salvage the move for Raphinha and set a quote for Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, Boehly's whirlwind tour of Europe has seen him effectively start life at Chelsea living out of a suitcase.
Also on his travels has been a conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, and negotiations to convince Matthijs de Ligt that London is a better place than Munich. So far to no avail.
READ MORE: Serge Gnabry price tag revealed as Chelsea eye Bayern Munich raid for dream Raphinha alternative
Also buzzing in on his phone have been AC Milan. The Italian champions are searching to find the sweet spot and secure a deal to bring Hakim Ziyech to the club, but so far football.london understands there has been no true agreement, with loan moves and obligations to buy making it a complex matter.
Tuchel might be asking Boehly in the background to remain on the line with the Italian's though, as the Blues perk up their interest in Portuguese winger Rafael Leao. The 23-year-old is just one name on a list of possible attacking targets that still includes an unlikely capture of Robert Lewandowski, and as reported yesterday, an opportunistic swoop for Serge Gnabry.
It may appear that Chelsea are conducting their business with a very select few teams, often coming across Bayern, Barcelona, Manchester City or AC Milan, but these are the places holding Chelsea's interest. However, if the expected price tag on Leao's head is true, Chelsea will be looking elsewhere.
The Guardian are reporting that the winger, with 14 goals and 12 assists last term, could cost up to £127m to trigger his release clause. Now, Chelsea do have an issue going forward, but to go for another club record buy is extremely unlikely.
Gnabry would be a cheaper option given he has just one year remaining on his contract but he could take some persuading to join Chelsea after his history across London with Arsenal.
Although Raheem Sterling is just an announcement away from being named as a Chelsea player, Tuchel isn't calming his search for attacking options, and with more of Chelsea's senior attackers, namely Timo Werner, expected to still leave the club this window, any search for a replacement could role on for some time still.
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