Potter impressed with ‘top player’ Leao amid Chelsea transfer links

Suraj Radia

4 Oct 2022 15:59 BST
3 min read

Rafael Leao, Milan, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has described Rafael Leao as a ‘top player’ and admits the AC Milan forward is capable of performing in the Premier League one day.

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Leao was reportedly the subject of a bid from Chelsea during the summer and the Blues are believed to be leading the chase for the 23-year-old, who has just two years remaining on his contract.

Chelsea will face off against Milan in the Champions League group stage and, when asked whether Leao had the ability to play in the Premier League, Potter was complimentary of the Portuguese international.

“I’ve been really impressed with him whenever I’ve watched the games,” Potter said. "He’s making a difference to AC Milan and contributes to how they attack and how they score, so congratulations to him for that, he’s a top player.

“In terms of the future, who knows whether he can do this or not [in the Premier League], he has the capabilities for sure when I’ve seen him and is affecting games at the highest level against top opponents.”

Will Leao move to Stamford Bridge?

Leao has begun the season in fine form, grabbing four goals and four assists in his side’s first seven Serie A games while playing as a left-sided forward.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have struggled for consistent goals, with Raheem Sterling the only player to net more than once for the Blues this season and the club are already looking towards future signings in attack.

RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku is reportedly close to joining Chelsea, with Potter’s side set to pay more than the €60 million release clause to sign the Frenchman next summer.

🗣 "I've been really impressed with him whenever I've watched the games. He's making a difference for AC Milan."

Graham Potter reveals he has been impressed with Rafael Leão at AC Milan pic.twitter.com/UuaweTkBiZ
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 4, 2022

Milan have reportedly ruled out selling Leao for anything less than €100m and are hoping to hand him a new contract to ward off any interest suitors and tie his long-term future to the club.

Chelsea could attempt to sweeten any deal for Leao by offering Hakim Ziyech in exchange, with Milan having a long-standing interest in the Moroccan, as well as Blues striker Armando Broja.