Chelsea are one of a number of clubs interested in signing AC Milan star Rafael Leao this summer. The Portuguese forward is facing an uncertain future at the San Siro with talks ongoing over extending his contract to stay in Milan.
The Blues have already acquired Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling in the past two transfer windows to bolster the attack. Chelsea have struggled for form in front of goal and Leao could be the man to solve that problem moving forward, but he will come at a huge cost.
Christian Pulisic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz are all facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge with further reinforcements expected to come this summer, despite the club having spent over £600million since the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital consortium completed a £4billion takeover last year. With plenty of hints, transfer prices and contract talk surrounding the Portugal international, football.london takes a look at the latest news on Leao's transfer to Chelsea.
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Jorge Mendes approaches Real Madrid over summer transfer
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.
Leao admission
Leao has 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."
Milan contract latest
AC Milan sporting director Frederic Massara said earlier this season: "We’re confident to reach an agreement with Rafael Leao and extend his contract. We’ll try to find a solution to proceed with Rafa for long time."
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."
Major contract update
AC Milan remain hopeful that Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao will sign a new contract in Italy ahead of his current deal expiring in 2024 and it appears that could be on the cards.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that 'confidence is growing' at Milan that Leao will pen a new deal in Italy. Milan have raised their proposal for Leao to a total €7million per-year (£6.1million) which will likely see him become the highest-paid player at the club and hopefully in Milan's case be enough to fight off interest from the Premier League.
Reece James hints
Chelsea defender Reece James may have been involved in a series of hints pointing towards Leao joining the club in the near future. A whole set of public conversations have played out on social media as well as the winger following the official Chelsea account on the platform TikTok.
Man United threat
Chelsea aren't alone in their interest of Rafael Leao as ESPN reports that Premier League rivals Manchester United are eyeing a potential switch for the forward. The Red Devils look set to back new boss Erik ten Hag with further investment, with Leao one of a few wide players linked.
Chelsea bid rejected
According to Spanish journalist Manu Sainz, Milan rejected a €100million (£86.5m) bid from Chelsea back in the summer on transfer deadline day. It remains to be seen if the Blues will open the bidding once again in January to test the resolve of the Rossoneri hierarchy, however recent reports suggest that it could take less to land him.
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