Rafael Leao has continued to show his allegiance to AC Milan with a recent message on social media, despite current links with a move to Chelsea. The Blues were reported to have made a late move for the 23-year-old on transfer deadline day in the summer, but missed out on landing him.
With the January window around the corner, there's a fresh chance for Chelsea to land the winger to help bolster their squad for the second half of the season. "You can see Leao’s quality and skills, it’s obvious," head coach Graham Potter said when asked about Leao earlier this season.
"But he is part of a strong team. We have to respect that [he is under contract]." The fact he is under contract hasn't stopped potential hints over a move to Stamford Bridge though.
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Leao's public back and forth conversations with Chelsea defender Reece James have hinted at a burgeoning friendship amid the possibility of a deal in the future, while he also caused a stir by following the Blues on their official account on the social media platform TikTok. However, his latest post on Instagram clearly shows his current allegiances.
Posting a photo of himself wearing the AC Milan kit, Leao put the caption: "123 years." with some red and black hearts linked to the colours of the Rossoneri. It's a post celebrating the birthday of the Italian giants, who were founded back in December 1899.
It's a timely reminder to the Blues exactly how the current situation is, with lots of talk surrounding a move to the club while he is still under contract. Work will likely have to be put in before the end of the window to ensure that a deal can get over the line, otherwise attentions will have to turn to the summer.
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