Chelsea handed Rafael Leao blow as AC Milan step up contract talks. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to the Italian media outlet, Corriere Dello Sport(h/t football.london), Chelsea have enquired about AC Milan forward Rafael Leao through his agent. The Serie A holders want between €80-90 million for the 23-year-old Portuguese international.
Thomas Tuchel is revamping his squad and has sent his main striker Romelu Lukaku on a season-long loan to Inter Milan. This leaves the German with Timo Werner and Armando Broja as his striking options. Michy Batshuayi has also returned from his loan at Besiktas but has been out of favour for some time now.
Having just completed the signing of Raheem Sterling, it seems Tuchel is keen to add another forward to his ranks. It is no secret that the Blues were inconsistent in front of the goal last season and Tuchel is looking to fix that shortcoming. Leao has been identified as a potential target to help fix the problem.
The 23-year-old joined the Milan side in 2019 from League one outfit LOSC Lille. He was in fine form last season as he led the Rossoneri to the Scudetto. The forward scored 11 goals and assisted another 10 in 34 league appearances, as Milan beat rivals Inter Milan to the crown.
His good form earned him the MVP Best Player award from the Serie A. Given his form and popularity among the Milan fans, the Rossoneri would be reluctant to sell him. However, if the above report is true, then they might come to the table if Chelsea can match their valuation.
It will not be cheap nor easy to bring him to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea would be reluctant themselves to splash another hundred million on a striker, following the events surrounding Lukaku. Having already signed Sterling and having options in the attack, it could be a less priority currently for Tuchel to spend so much money and time on bringing in another forward.
Leao would be a good signing for the Blues. A left-winger by trade, he can also play as a centre-forward. Such qualities are something Tuchel likes in his players, as he likes to rotate his attackers in different positions. However, given the price tag, it would be wise for Chelsea to consider all alternatives before making such a big-money move.
The Blue’s faithful will hope that more players are signed as they wish to see their club mount a title challenge next season and win some silverware. Tuchel could assess his options during the ongoing pre-season and then make a move for a forward in the market.
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