Transfer News: Liverpool to rival Chelsea for 12-assist Serie A forward

Chelsea face competition from Liverpool for AC Milan star Rafael Leao

Chelsea are supposedly set to face competition from Liverpool in their bid to sign 23-year-old AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Portugal international could be on his way out this summer if I Rossoneri don’t qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Otherwise, he is said to be happy at the club as he appreciates their long-term project.

Juventus’ 15-point points deduction being overturned recently has meant that AC Milan have slipped one position down in the league table. They are now fifth after 30 games, trailing fourth-placed AS Roma by three points.

Milan, more importantly, are in the UEFA Champions League semifinals after ages. They beat Napoli in the quarterfinals to set up a last-four date with Inter Milan.

Chelsea should push for Leao

Winning the competition could be huge for the seven-time winners, and it will mean automatic qualification to the Champions League next season. Chelsea can use someone of Leao’s ilk up front.

We have had massive goal-scoring problems this season with no player touching the double-digit mark in terms of goals. It has been pathetic from our end when it comes to finishing chances.

Someone like Leao, who has 11 goals and 12 assists in 40 games for Milan this season, could make a difference considering he can create and finish off chances. His deal expires in the summer of 2024 and the Italian giants are understandably eager to renew his terms.

Liverpool could also be a hurdle for us given they also have an intriguing project under Jurgen Klopp where the German is looking to build his second great Reds team. Mohamed Salah is in his 30s while Roberto Firmino is set to leave this summer.

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Technically speaking, there could be a space for Leao in Liverpool’s frontline in the long term. If Chelsea want their man, they have to be quick and they have to ensure they come in with an offer Leao can’t refuse.