Rafael Leao looks set to take over as Chelsea's newest ongoing transfer saga. They've had Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, Declan Rice, Wesley Fofana and more in the past 18-months, but Leao is the man attracting most attention heading into 2023.
Partly due to the pre-existing interest in him from the summer when Chelsea made speculative efforts to bring him to Stamford Bridge and also due to his every-growing contract issue. AC Milan are constantly watching his expiry date in June 2024 draw closer and although 18-months is a long time, if he gets to the summer without a resolution there will be a power shift in favour of buying clubs.
The 23-year-old is one of the best wingers in the world and made his mark at Qatar 2022. His physicality matches the profile of new player Chelsea want and his trickery and skill are the rogue forward options missing. Although his off the ball work leaves plenty to be desired it doesn't seem to hamper the interest in him.
