AC Milan eager to resolve 23-year-old Chelsea target’s future in January

Star forward Chelsea wanted to sign for £100m hasn't scored a Serie A goal since September

Transfer News: Chelsea set to be handed a timeframe in their pursuit of Rafael Leao

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (Football. London), AC Milan are keen to solve the transfer issue for Portuguese forward Rafael Leao by January. This comes amid heavy interest in the player from Chelsea.

It is believed that the Serie A champions want to solve the forward’s future by January, with the 23-year-old about to enter the final 18 months of his current contract next month.

Milan want £105 million for their star forward and will look to acquire as much as possible in the winter transfer window. Should the forward not extend his contract or no offer is made, his value will decrease next summer.

Chelsea are in need to reinforce their attack this transfer window. Despite bringing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling in the summer, the club has struggled to find the back of the net so far this season.

The Blues have managed to score only 17 goals in 14 league games so far this season, the numbers being the lowest for a team in the top 10. Leao has been in terrific form for the Milan-based club, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances in all competitions so far.

He is also enjoying a decent World Cup with Portugal, scoring two goals in four games. A move for him would make sense this winter, but his price could be a stumbling block for the west London club.

AC Milan could sell Rafael Leao in January to get the best price for the forward. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

But if the Blues remain patient, they could get the forward for a lower price next summer, as he will only have one year left in his contract. This could however prove to be risky for the club as someone else could take up an interest in the player or the 23-year-old could sign a new deal with the Rossoneri.