Chelsea are reportedly interested in AC Milan forward Rafael Leao as a potential transfer target.
According to 90min, the Blues have set their sights on the 22-year-old Serie A star.
The report explains Serie A champions AC Milan are aiming to give their youngster a new long-term deal at the San Siro, which includes trebling his wages. They want to replace his existing €150million (£127million) release clause, too.
Chelsea now have the attacker on their radar after his key role in winning the Italian top division.
The Portugal international ended up with 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions this season for AC Milan.
Chelsea interested in Rafael Leao
Leao becomes the latest talented young attacker to have his name linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Blues fans may be interested to hear the speedster’s previously earned big praise this year from ex-Chelsea boss and current Roma manager Jose Mourinho.
“What a player. He’s relentless,” Mourinho told Record, as quoted by Tribal Football.
Leao is definitely a rising star that’s improving year on year, so AC Milan are looking to act under their new ownership to lock down the future of a key player.
Change of system for Tuchel?
It’s intriguing to see Chelsea’s name pop up with yet another player that is comfortable as a genuine winger.
Leao has operated through the middle at times as a central forward, but equally thrives as a left-winger running at full-backs.
The system under Blues manager Thomas Tuchel doesn’t really facilitate out-and-out wide players, with his attackers often cutting infield into number 10 pockets.
Barcelona wide man Ousmane Dembele is linked with Chelsea, though.
Is this an indication at a possible change in shape?
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
