Report: Chelsea now interested in signing £127m star, even though his club said he was ‘untouchable’ this summer

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Chelsea are reportedly interested in AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao as a potential transfer alternative this summer.

According to the Guardian, the Blues are planning on looking at new attacking targets as Leeds United’s Raphinha closes in on a move to Barcelona.

It is explained that 23-year-old winger Leao is a player in Chelsea’s sights. Blues manager Thomas Tuchel does like the idea of signing the Portugal international, too.

Leao, who was a Serie A league champion last season, is a very exciting young talent.

The left-winger finished the last campaign with 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions in 42 games across all competitions.

Chelsea interested in Rafael Leao

It’s unclear right now on how much it’ll cost to prize a player like Leao away from the San Siro. He was one of the instrumental figures in the team’s success last year, though.

Milan director Paolo Maldini claimed last May that Leao was “untouchable” for any interested clubs.

“He is untouchable, that is for sure. He is still a rough diamond and improved a lot in a year. We signed him when he was a bench player at Lille for €24million and inserted a €150million (£127million) release clause because we believed in him a lot,” Maldini said.

He’s someone that’s already played in Portugal, France and Italy in his senior career, but can be tempted to the English Premier League anytime soon?

Blues attack

It feels like Thomas Tuchel’s squad needs attacking reinforcements to improve on last season.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, who’s all-but moved to Chelsea based off various media outlets, is going to add a more clinical touch in the final third. They could end up needing more, though, especially as Hakim Ziyech is linked with an exit.

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