Chelsea have been dealt a double transfer blow as Inter and AC Milan attempt to secure key players to long-term futures.
Inter defender Milan Skriniar and Milan forward Rafael Leao were both considered by Chelsea during a frantic summer of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge.
The former, who had also attracted interest from PSG, emerged as an option as the club looked for defensive recruits, a chase that eventually led to the signing of Wesley Fofana after Kalidou Koulibaly’s arrival.
Of the 27-year-old’s future, Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta said: “We’ll meet with Milan Škriniar agents after the game vs Viktoria Plzen. There are chances to reach an agreement on new deal.
“Skriniar is a top professional and he loves Inter, I’m optimistic — then it’s up to him too”.
Leao, meanwhile, was an attacking target during Thomas Tuchel’s time in charge and has since been spoken of positively by manager Graham Potter.
“We’re confident to sign new deal,” said Milan director of football Frederic Massara.
