Serie A giants lower asking price for 23-year-old ace on Chelsea’s radar

AC Milan set new price for Chelsea to sign Rafael Leao in January

According to Calciomercato (h/t Football.London), Serie A champions AC Milan have set a new price tag for Chelsea to sign Rafael Leao in the January transfer window.

The Blues wanted to sign the Portugal international in the preceding summer window, but Milan held out a price that was unreachable at the time.

The latest report says that Milan could ask for at least €80m in January if Chelsea make a move, slightly less than the €100m valuation that had been set. Yt remains ti be seen if the Blues will now make their move next month.

A few weeks ago, Leao’s father talked about how comfortable and happy the 23-year-old is in Milan and discussions regarding his contract extension are going well (Football.London).

The forward’s contract at San Siro expires in 18 months (Transfermarkt). So, if the new contract is not signed, he will reach the final 12 months of his deal in the coming summer.

A few days ago, Express reported that Leao is not ready to sign the extension, which has given a boost to Chelsea’s chance of getting him sooner rather than later.

It was a bit unfortunate that we did not see a lot of the 23-year-old in the World Cup. His form for Milan in the last 18 months has been phenomenal, to say the least.

Following on from a very good season last time around, Leao scored six goals and assisted five in 14 league appearances before the World Cup break.

He is the type of winger who likes to cut inside and have an impact in the opposition box, rather than staying out wide. He can easily play as a number nine or as a support striker.

In the current Chelsea team, dynamism and thrust in the opposition box to score and create goals are lacking. It is partly down to good players being out of form, or just that they are not gelling well together. So, changes need to be made.

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Leao could be an ideal part of the change where he can bring something different to the team. He can have a bit of directness to attacks, which terrorises defences. We would love to see the 23-year-old come in January itself.