Chelsea want AC Milan star after ditching Ronaldo
Chelsea have made contact with AC Milan over potential deal for Rafael Leao. The Portuguese winger has yet to sign a new contract.
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly plans to make a statement signing this summer. The American businessman wanted to sign Criastiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and the Portuguese superstar was open to the move. However, Blues coach Thomas Tuchel blocked everything considering CR7 not suitable for his game style.
The English press reports that Boehly has turned his attention to Cristiano Ronaldo’s compatriot Rafael Leao. The Portuguese left winger enjoyed the best season of his career scoring 14 goals and assisting 12. The former Lille talent was named Serie A MVP for his contribution in AC Milan’s Scudetto win.
Tuchel wants to add a new left winger to his suqad this summer. Chelsea have contacted AC Milan to enquire over the availability Rafael Leao according to reports. The 23-year-old is currently in negotiations to extend his contract with the Rossoneri but talks have been dragging for many months without producing any significant result.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, AC Milan have no intention to sell Rafael Leao. Maldini has informed the Premier League club that Milan plan to keep the Portuguese star regardless of his contract situation. The only way Chelsea have to sign Rafael Leao is to pay his €150 million release clause.
Maldini and Massara are still confident that they will be able to convince Leao to ink to new contract. The Rossoneri are preparing a new offer of 6 million euros per season. That would make Leao the highest paid AC Milan player. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is reportedly asking for at least 7 million.
READ MORE: AC Milan closing on Atl Madrid striker