‘Prepared to put the money down’: Chelsea are in contact with agent of £128m forward – journalist

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Simon Phillips claims that Chelsea have sparked up a conversation with the representatives of Rafael Leao.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips explained that Todd Boehly had touched down with the agent of the AC Milan attacker in regards to a potential deal.

Leao is reportedly hot on Boehly’s radar, with the Stamford Bridge owner eager to bolster Graham Potter’s front line.

He has already acquired the services of Christopher Nkunku for next season, but is still in need for additional firepower following the injury to Armando Broja.

Broja will likely miss the rest of the campaign after rupturing his cruciate ligament against Aston Villa in a friendly last weekend.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the only recognised striker in Potter’s squad, and his fellow forwards misfiring, a new threat to spark Chelsea into life might be required.

Presenting Leao, who has certainly proven to be the provider of energy on the pitch.

Chelsea love Rafael Leao

The 23-year-old has already contributed 16 goals for Milan this term, plus netted twice in a Portugal shirt at the World Cup.

Is he the man to fire Chelsea up the Premier League table?

According to Phillips, Boehly is certainly debating the question.

“Chelsea have been in touch with his agent and they know their intentions,” said the transfer insider about Leao’s possible switch to South West London.

“Chelsea are more than prepared to put the money down to land him in January. That’s only accelerated now because of the Broja injury.”

The cost of replacing Broja and signing Leao will not be cheap, of course.

Milan could ask for upwards of £128m for their Portugal international, having already apparently rejected Chelsea’s bid of £60m.

Adhere to the Italian’s demands, and it Boehly would be involved in one of the most expensive transfers in history.

A transaction he must tread with caution, due to the failed purchases of forwards made by his predecessor.

Romelu Lukaku’s club-record return to Cobham only lasted a season, Timo Werner departed after two-years, whilst Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic still fail to convince.

Boehly himself knows the pitfalls with making heavy acquisitions; Raheem Sterling and Aubameyang’s arrival have yet to set the place alight.

He will be hoping Leao can alter that storyline for the better.