Rafael Leao was on Chelsea's transfer radar. (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking to RDP Africa (h/t Metro), AC Milan forward and Chelsea target Rafael Leao has expressed his desire to play in England and the Premier League, but in the future.
The Portugal international, who was part of the national team World Cup but did not get much game time in Qatar, has been linked with the Blues for some time now.
Leao’s contract at Milan expires in the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt). There have been plenty of rumours surrounding his future in Italy. A few days ago, Express reported that the player is not prepared to sign an extension with the Rossoneri.
Here’s Leao when asked if he desires to play in the Premier League (h/t Metro):
“Yes, in the future. But now I’m 100 per cent focused on Milan. I’m at a top club and I’m under contract. I also like the city of Milan.”
Make of that what you will from this quote. It shows that the player has his mind set on playing in England, but had to rightly include a sentence of committing his focus for his current club.
Leao has had an excellent last 18 months for Milan. After his impressive outing last season where he helped the club win the Scudetto, he made a great start to this campaign before the World Cup break kicked in.
The 23-year-old scored seven goals and assisted nine in 20 appearances in all competitions for the Rossoneri. As a player, he is more than just about goals and assists though. His overall threat sometimes creates space for others in the team to cause trouble for the opposition defence.
Chelsea have looked stale in attack this season and could do with refreshing additions in that department soon. They have secured the services of Christopher Nkunku from next season onwards. Getting Leao would turn that forward line into one of the most exciting and dangerous in Europe.
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