“He is a top player”- Potter opens up about AC Milan ace on Chelsea’s radar

Chelsea manager Graham Potter opens up on Rafael Leao

When asked about him in the press conference ahead of the AC Milan game (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter gave a glowing review about club target and Milan forward Rafael Leao.

The Blues made a late attempt in the summer transfer window to sign Leao from the Serie A champions. However, nothing materialised probably due to the timing of the move. Recent reports suggest that the West London club are leading the race to sign the Portuguese international, with the Italian suspected to demand around £87m.

When talking about the player, Potter was very complimentary of his overall game and how he contributes to the attacks of the team. The manager though did remain tight-lipped talking about the 23-year-old’s future.

Here are the quotes of the Chelsea boss (h/t Football.London):

“I’ve been really impressed with him whenever I’ve watched the games. He is making a difference for AC Milan and is contributing to how they attack and score goals. So congratulations to him for that.

“He is a top player. In terms of what happens in the future, who knows whether he can do this or not? He has the capability for sure from what I’ve seen because he is affecting the game at the highest level against top opponents.”

Leao is a top player who was one of the key reasons why Milan lifted the Scudetto last season. He scored 11 goals and assisted 10 in 34 league appearances. He has already started this campaign on fire, with four goals and four assists in seven league games.

Not just that, the 23-year-old is a versatile player who can play at a high level in various positions across the forward line. He is a danger to defenders in tight spaces and also in transition when there is space to run into.

If claims are to be believed, Chelsea have agreed to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku next summer. Add him to the potential of Leao arriving either in January or June, and the Blues front-line is looking like a force again.

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• Joe Cole impressed by the new Chelsea owners and backs them to succeed at the club
• Chelsea are keeping tabs on Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli

Co-owner Todd Boehly has promised more spending in the coming transfer windows, despite forking £250m this summer. What this will do is give what Potter wants. But, it will also increase the pressure on the manager to deliver as per the demands and expectations at the club.