Chelsea in battle with Real Madrid to sign 23-year-old World Cup star, Blues already making moves – journalist

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Journalist Carlo Garganese has told GiveMeSport that Chelsea are facing competition from Real Madrid in a battle to sign Rafael Leao.

The 23-year-old has already proven his talents on the big stage in a cameo for Portugal at the World Cup.

Coming off the bench as his side were struggling against Ghana, Leao’s pace and directness down the left saw him get in position to score his country’s third goal in the 3-2 win.

Chelsea fans however will have already got a first-hand view of just how impactful the AC Milan star is.

When the pair met in the Champions League earlier this season, only two world-class performances from Reece James before his injury stopped him having the impact he desired.

The two games seem to not have affected Chelsea’s interest in signing Leao, with them still frequently linked with a deal to sign the winger.

Chelsea battling Madrid for Leao

Garganese has claimed however that they are set to face competition for the signing of the Portugal international, with European heavyweights Real Madrid also interested in a deal.

He said: “Leão’s contract runs out in 2024. Chelsea, they’re still in touch, they’re one of the main clubs, but they’re not the only club that are interested in him.

“Real Madrid are also interested in him as well.”

The Blues are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, given the vast underperformance of their current crop for yet another campaign in a row.

Even the addition of Raheem Sterling has seen him fail to thrive, especially after the appointment of Graham Potter as manager.

Leao’s ability to directly attack a full-back is something the Blues currently lack in their frontline, and a feature that is likely to be a success in the Premier League, whilst also exciting those at Stamford Bridge in the process.