- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Rafael Leao is ready to pursue a move away from Italian giants AC Milan with long-time admirers Chelsea on red alert as they look to bring the Portugal international to the Premier League.
HITC Football understands that Raphael Leao, who scored a brilliant goal in Milan’s 3-0 hammering of Rennes in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, is likely to leave the San Siro this summer.
And he will not be short of offers. HITC have been informed that not only are Chelsea long-term admirers, Leao is also the kind of player – young, improving and brimming with potential – that Todd Boehly’s side are prioritising in the market after another highly-disappointing season on the pitch.
Chelsea eye Milan talisman Rafael Leao
Barcelona have been watching the Sporting Lisbon academy graduate closely over the last 12 months. There is interest from Paris Saint-Germain too. Sporting director Luis Campos brought Leao to France with Lille back in 2018. He remains a huge fan of the skilful 24-year-old.
Devastating when drifting in from the left onto his right foot, Leao may be handed the unenviable task of stepping into the void created by the departure of Kylian Mbappe at PSG. HITC understands Mbappe has told the French champions that he plans to leave this summer, Real Madrid’s long-standing interest potentially bringing an end to one of European football’s most long-running transfer sagas.
Chelsea, then, will not be short of competition in pursuit of one of the continent’s most talented forwards. Leao, who joined Milan for £32 million, reportedly has a £150 million release clause in his contract.
Potential Raheem Sterling replacement
“You can see Leao’s quality and skills. It’s obvious,” former Blues boss Graham Potter said of the winger ahead of last season’s Champions League clash between the two sides.
Leao has seven goals and nine assists to his name this season. He set up Theo Hernandez’s winner during last week’s 1-0 win over Scudetto holders Napoli.
“He is an incredible player,” Theo tells DAZN. “When he doesn’t score goals, he provides assists. People don’t see the work he does every day on the field. We are happy to have him like this.”
Leao could potentially be part of Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling succession plan. HITC has been made aware of the England international’s availability. Sterling is not part of the club’s long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.
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