Chelsea seem to be taking the necessary steps in order to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
According to Transfersdotcom journalist Carlo Garganese, the Blues are 'still in touch' with Leao over a potential switch to west London and they're said to be one of the frontrunners. But, as the Portugal international continues to impress at the World Cup in Qatar, Chelsea face growing competition in the race for his signature.
Leao, who sees his deal with the Italian giants expire in 2024, featured off the bench in his nation's tournament opener against Ghana, marking his display with a well-taken effort to give Fernando Santos' side a two-goal lead. His impressive display proved his quality to Graham Potter after failing to impress across two legs against the Blues in the Champions League earlier this season.
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According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Milan News, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are rivalling Chelsea for Leao. The Portuguese star is said to have a €150million (£130.5million) release clause in his contract.
Sky Italia report that he has recently changed his agent, throwing talks with Milan 'into turmoil'. The report adds that Leao is demanding wages of €9million to €10million (£7.8m to £8.7m) per-year from the Rossoneri.
It remains to be seen whether the Italian giants and the Portuguese star reach an agreement amid fresh complications, but Chelsea will be hoping to take advantage of the uncertainty that looms over his future at the San Siro.
Speaking at Gran Gala del Calcio awards in October, Milan sporting director Ricky Massara claimed that the club are confident that Leao will pen an extension. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: "We are confident. We want to consolidate this growth that the boy has had and stabilise the team to give continuity at the highest levels, and we will try to find a solution to continue for a long time with Leao."
Even if a move to Chelsea was close, Leao has been advised against joining the Blues. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Football Italia, the former Rossoneri striker Jean Pierre Papin said: "Maldini said that if he wants to become even stronger, he must stay. I agree with Paolo.
"Leao must look at Chelsea's squad and ask himself: 'How much space would I find as a starter? At Milan, he is untouchable," he added. "He knows how to express himself, and he knows his teammates perfectly. Staying and growing in the Rossoneri is the best choice."
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