The transfer window may be closed, but Chelsea are working hard behind the scenes ahead of next summer's window. The Blues are close to agreeing a deal to sign Christopher Nkunku, while the Frenchman's RB Leipzig team-mate Josko Gvardiol is also being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Interest in the likes of Nkunku and Gvardiol shows that under the ownership of Todd Boehly, Chelsea are chasing some of the most highly-rated young players in Europe. Another player who fits the bill and has been linked with a move to the Blues is Rafael Leao.
The AC Milan forward's name was mentioned with a transfer to Chelsea throughout the summer and the Blues are said to be monitoring the situation. According to reports, the Portuguese could sign a new contract with the Italian giants, but if he doesn't, then they will be forced to consider offers that come in.
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Paolo Maldini has stated that Leao has expressed a will to stay at Milan, but if an agreement can't be found, it's understood that only offers greater than €100 million would be considered for the 23-year-old. If met, that would make Leao Chelsea's most expensive signing of all time.
However, given that Chelsea spent north of £270 million in the summer transfer window, the €100 million+ price tag that has been reportedly slapped on Leao is unlikely to put Chelsea completely off. The Blues have been keeping an eye on Leao for some time, but they will get an even closer look on Wednesday when the Milan forward is likely to star for the Italian club in their Champions League tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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