Chelsea will be hoping to take advantage of ‘complications’ in AC Milan ’s talks with Rafael Leao as the Blues eye a move for the Portuguese forward.
The Londoners have been linked with a swoop for the former Lille star over recent seasons, interest that stretches back to Thomas Tuchel ’s spell in charge at Stamford Bridge. Over recent days, reports have suggested that Chelsea and Manchester City are set to go to battle in the January transfer window, with AC Milan apparently preparing themselves for big-money offers in the region of around £105million.
It remains to be seen whether the Italian giants will be tempted to cash-in on the 23-year-old but they appear to be in a tricky decision regarding contract negotiations. His current deal runs out in the summer of 2024 and whilst Milan are keen to tie him down to an extended contract, that might be easier said than done.
As per Sky Italia, the Portuguese’s change of agent has thrown talks into turmoil, with Leao’s former club Sporting Clube de Portugal complicating discussions further.
It is reported that Sporting are still owed €19m (£16.5m) - a fact that has led to the striker demanding wages of €9m to €10m per year, an amount that Milan have never paid to a player in their history.
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Whether they stretch that far to tie Leao down to a new deal remains to be seen but Chelsea will likely be keeping a close eye on any future discussions as they contemplate a move.
Blues boss Graham Potter has already hailed the Portuguese’s abilities but refused to be drawn into any specific transfer speculation. Talking before Chelsea’s Champions League group stage showdown with Leao’s current employers, he said: “We can spend all day with these questions but I’m not going to speak about this. If they are not our players, I am not going to speak to them.”
He continued: “You can see Leao’s quality and skills, it’s obvious. But he is part of a strong team. We have to respect that [he is under contract].”
Since arriving at the San Siro from Lille back in the summer of 2019, Leao has gone on to make 133 appearances for the club and has scored 33 goals. He played a pivotal role for Milan last term as they lifted their first Serie A crown. He is enjoying another stellar campaign having already notched six goals and nine assists in all competitions throughout the season.
Leao’s recent form has seen him earn 11 caps for the Portuguese national team but has thus far failed to open his goalscoring account. He will surely be hoping to change that should he be included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
