“Staying and growing” – Former AC Milan striker urges rising star to not join Chelsea

Jean Pierre Papin urges AC Milan star Rafael Leao to not join Chelsea

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Football Italia (h/t Football. London), former AC Milan striker Jean Pierre Papin has urged talented AC Milan winger Rafael Leao to not join Chelsea as he feels that the Portuguese star will not get the necessary game time at Stamford Bridge.

One of the most exciting wingers coming through the ranks at Milan, Leao is destined for the very best in football. He is extremely talented and is one of the Italian giant’s most influential players in the team and has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.

Not the typical winger that you see, Leao is different. He is tall, extremely strong and uses his body and strength very well to shield the ball. For a player of his profile, the electrifying winger is actually a very efficient dribbler and his finishing is on par with that of a striker.

Leao joined AC Milan from Lille in 2019 and has since then gone on to become a star in his own right. He has formed a formidable partnership with Theo Hernandez on the left flank. The duo combine to maraud down the flank and most of the attacking play in Milan goes through the left side.

Leao has started the season off on a great note. The 23-year-old played eight times for the club this season scoring three goals and providing six assists across all competitions. Milan will be glad to have kept hold of the player despite interest from the big clubs.

Speaking about the player, Papin claimed that he thinks Leao will be better off staying at Milan and becoming a star at the club.

“Leao must look at Chelsea’s squad and ask himself: ‘How much space would I find as a starter? At Milan, he is untouchable. He knows how to express himself, and he knows his teammates perfectly. Staying and growing in the Rossoneri is the best choice.”

Chelsea have a plethora of forward options but none of the players we have are in a similar profile to Leao. In fact, there are not many attackers in the world who have a similar play style to the Portuguese forward and the Blues could do so with someone like him in their ranks.

Leao can combine with Ben Chilwell or Marc Cucurella on the left flank and score and assist for the Blues. With a player like Aubameyang in the box, the talented Milan star can actually contribute a lot to Graham Potter’s side with his unique skill set.

More Chelsea News:

• Francis Benali gives his verdict on the late Chelsea bid for Romeo Lavia
• Scott Sinclair is training with Chelsea to prepare for his next move
• Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wanted to sign Erling Haaland

Rafael Leao at Chelsea will not be an easy transfer to pull off. He will be a good signing for the Blues but the move is a long negotiation away. It remains to be seen how Boehly goes about it.