Todd Boehly has been warned against tabling an impulsive bid for AC Milan star Rafael Leao following Chelsea's 3-0 win over the Italian giants. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to west London in the summer as the Blues looked to bolster their front-three.
A deal failed to materialise, but Chelsea are said to be monitoring the winger's situation at the San Siro after he entered talks with the Rossoneri over a new deal. Milan have stepped up their efforts to retain the Portugal international amid growing interest in their player, and the west Londoners are believed to be keen to test the club's resolve.
According to Calciomercato, Boehly is set to soon hold talks with higher-ups at Milan over a potential move for Leao. But, Boehly has been warned about moving too quickly after the Portuguese star disappointed against Chelsea in the Champions League.
Speaking to BT Sport, Joe Cole cast doubt as to whether Leao ticks the boxes that a player of his reported value should fulfil. The forward is currently valued at around £70million by the CIES Football Observatory.
"Do you know what? For all of his talent and everything tonight, there will be scouts here, and there will be question marks on his attitude," the former Chelsea midfielder said.
"He went like most of his teammates tonight. He went a bit limp against James. He didn't get his own way. First 20 minutes, he was loving life, chest out, he was running at players.
"Reece James put it on him a bit, and we watched his body language," added Cole, before reminding potential suitors that there is still time for Leao to elevate his game. "If you're going to spend £100m or whatever his price tag will be, you've got to tick all of the boxes. There's still some time left, and he is exciting."
Last month, director Paulo Maldini told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Football Italia, that Leao is not 'unsellable', meaning that a move is somewhat on the cards. The former Milan captain said: "Rafa understands that the path for the next few years must be at Milan. He understands it, and he says it.
"There will be a negotiation, and we know that strong players must be paid for their value. If the team improves further, he will have everything to do even more. Then, of course, nobody is unsellable in any team in the world."
Then, when asked if he's optimistic about Leao penning an extension at Milan, Maldini replied: "Yes, with him."
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