“We respect that”- Graham Potter gives verdict on long-term Chelsea ‘target’ Rafael Leao

Chelsea manager Graham Potter offers a verdict on long-term target Rafael Leao

Speaking in the press conference ahead of the game against AC Milan (h/t Football.London), Chelsea manager Graham Potter offered a verdict on long-term club target and Milan forward Rafael Leao and talked about respecting the fact that the Portuguese star is in the other team at the moment.

Leao has been a Chelsea target for a number of years now, as per Football.London, dating back to his Sporting Lisbon days. They made a late attempt to sign the forward in the summer transfer window, but Milan rejected the move. But, it is well documented that the Blues are keeping a close eye on him for a possible move in the future.

Potter’s reply when asked about the Portuguese international was filled with praises for the player along with respecting the fact that he plays for the other team which is strong in setup.

Here’s what the Chelsea manager exactly said (h/t Football.London):

“The player you mentioned is part of that team. You can see his quality and what he brings. He’s part of a strong team, a strong club and a strong set-up, and we respect that.”

Leao has been one of the best forwards in Europe in the last 12-18 months. He scored 11 goals and assisted 10 in 34 league appearances last season, making key contributions in helping Milan win the Scudetto after 11 years.

Attached to his quality are the versatility and directness of his game on the ball. The 23-year-old can play in every position across the forward line but is most comfortable on the left wing. He is tricky on the ball, has pace to burn and is a decent finisher and producer of the final product in and around the opposition box.

At 23, Leao is showing signs of constant improvement as a player who is destined to remain one of the dangerous forwards for many years to come.

More Chelsea News:

• Gabriel Slonina to return to Chelsea for a short training stint before the World Cup
• Chelsea eyeing transfers for Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino and AS Roman’s Lorenzo Pellegrini
• Jason Cundy reveals his worry about Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly

Having watched him for a long time now, Chelsea probably know everything about the player. More of that can be seen when they face him at San Siro on Wednesday night. Signing him would be an upgrade on their current forward line.