Five Chelsea alternatives to Rafael Leao

Robin Bairner

• 2 Dec 2022 10:29 GMT
• 4 min read

Chelsea have sighted Milan attacker Rafael Leao has a potential transfer target since the summer, but capturing the young Portugal international is proving difficult.

Although the Blues made a bid for the 23-year-old, they were blocked by the Serie A champions’ insistence that Leao’s €150 million release clause was met before a deal could be brokered.

Despite the fine form of the wide attacker in the 2021/22 campaign, Chelsea elected not to pay such a fee.

MORE: Chelsea to hijack Andrey Santos from Newcastle and Barcelona

Leao, though, is set to be pushed further from the Premier League club’s grasp as Milan open contract talks with him.

So who are the alternatives for Graham Potter’s side?

Here are five players with a profile that would interest Chelsea. All are 24 or under and possess a game style similar to Leao based on the assessment of data analytics experts SciSports.

MORE: Five young goalkeepers who could replace Kepa and Mendy at Chelsea

Jadon Sancho – Manchester United

Sancho might be misfiring at Old Trafford, but a move might be just what he needs to show his undoubted capabilities. Capable of playing on either flank, the former Borussia Dortmund star has failed to recapture his Bundesliga form since switching to the Premier League. There remains a belief, however, that he can still be a leading star. Brokering a deal with Man Utd may prove complicated, although the Red Devils could be open to looking at alternatives.

FootballTransfers valuation: €66m

Ferran Torres – Barcelona

Ferran Torres has only been at Barcelona for a year, yet a deal for the Spain World Cup star does not appear impossible. Barca are loaded with attacking talent, which has limited Ferran’s playing time, while the club’s poor financial position may compel them to sell. Given the 2-year-old has already impressed in the Premier League in the past with Manchester City, a deal is not so far fetched.

FootballTransfers valuation: €52m

Dominik Szoboszlai – RB Leipzig

It wasn’t so long ago that Szoboszlai was the young talent that everyone wanted to sign, with Arsenal notably going close to capturing the Hungary international. Since joining RB Leipzig from sister club Red Bull Salzburg, he has become less of a goal threat but more of an assist machine. He is created with 21 decisive passes and 12 goals in his 67 outings for the club. He’s still only 22 but Chelsea have virtually wrapped up a deal for team-mate Christopher Nkunku, so it’s unlikely the Bundesliga side will be eager to sell.

FootballTransfers valuation: €53m

Tete – Lyon (on loan from Shakhtar)

The future of Brazilian winger Tete is up in the air. Another 22-year-old, he finds himself at Lyon after being displaced from Shakhtar by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Initially impressed but a change of management has pushed him to the periphery in the Rhone Valley and means that it would be surprising if OL kept hold of him. Five goals and two assists in limited game time this season.

FootballTransfers valuation: €16m

Samuel Chukwueze – Villarreal

Nigeria international Chukwueze is regarded as a player who has the capability to go all the way to the top of the game. Phenomenally quick, he is also a very intelligent player who takes up smart areas on the field and is capable of playing on either wing. These are attributes that are likely to attract Chelsea boss Graham Potter. Is he good enough to step into the team right now, though?

FootballTransfers valuation: €20m