Chelsea are short of wingers and strikers right now, and after 2 games where we’ve seen just one shot on target for the Blues, it’s natural that links to dangerous attacking players are surfacing again.
Today CaughtOffside spark up the story once again that the Blues could be interested in Rafael Leao. Previously put off by his price tag, it appears the former Sporting winger could be be becoming a lot more affordable.
In Italy, the Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Leao is going to be part of a big AC Milan clearout, and is now available for just £66m. That’s a tempting price point for a player who has shown immense skill and physical ability – but it’s worth remembering that there’s a reason that the 25 year old is on the market.
Given his demands, his age and his imperfect record in terms of professionalism, we can’t see Chelsea doing this deal, even at a reduced price.
Chelsea’s Leao chase dates back years
Back in 2022, we reported on the news that AC Milan had quoted us €80m for the striker. Around the same time, Fabrizio Romano claimed that was based on an even more vast release clause:
“Chelsea have had an interest in Rafael Leao for over a year, alongside PSG and other top clubs… but it is not an advanced negotiation. AC Milan have always declared Leao as key part of the project, there’s a €150m release clause included into his current contract.”
Since then things have gone very quiet – but it seems like the Portugal star is reaching the end of his time in Milan. He’s certainly not a “key part of the project” there anymore.
Will Chelsea see this as a chance to buy a player they like on the cheap? Or have they moved on from Leao, much as it seems Milan have?
Don’t buy him yes he’s skillful but lazy to track back for help defensively . This team bought player’s who are injury prone . And no defence . They need player’s apart from their skills in attack but need to have a skill to defend too . They need to track back and plus manager should know to react earlier to subs a player who does not functioning and adjust his tactics nor his system if the opposite side read his tactics . This team needs a world class CB if possible two and a strong skillful striker with quick pace . Goalkeeper bring back petrovic and play him with Jorgensen . Jorgenson needs time .