Real Madrid have reportedly rejected the idea of adding Rafael Leao to their ranks, giving Chelsea more room for optimism in the race for the AC Milan attacker.
According to Marca, ‘Madrid’s answer has always been no’ when presented with the 23-year-old by his agent, Jorge Mendes.
Real Madrid recoil from Rafael Leao
Los Blancos are not usually ones to turn down the hottest properties on the market, especially when they are of Portuguese persuasion.
The Bernabeu chain of command made an enormous effort to sign Luis Figo from Barcelona, and broke the world-record to prize Cristiano Ronaldo away from Manchester United.
Pepe was also retrieved from Porto when he was arguably entering into the pomp of his career.
Yet, Madrid have seemingly changed their stance on players from Portugal, with Leao the latest to be overlooked.
This is no slight on the Milan forward’s credentials; the Spanish side clearly just have other fish to fry.
Their sights appear to be set on the likes of Endrick and Josko Gvardiol, two players rather coincidently also heavily linked to Chelsea.
But with the Champions League holders intent on signing either, or both, Endrick or Gvardiol, it leaves the Blues free to pursue Leao.
He is certainly a tempting talent to chase after.
Rafael Leao looked at by Chelsea
The Milan winger has contributed 16 goals so far this term, and is up to two for the World Cup as well.
His second at the tournament earned him the title of ‘tremendous’ from Aly McCoist.
However, despite his importance to the San Siro squad, his future remains up for debate.
Stefano Pioli’s employers have reportedly set January as the deadline for Leao to sign a new contract, which expires in 2024.
If he fails to renew his deal, the Rossoneri might have no choice but to sell their second top scorer.
Get your bank at the ready for that moment, Todd Boehly.
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