Barcelona president Joan Laporta 'loves' Chelsea target Rafael Leao
Karan Tejwani
- 25 Nov 2022 20:55 GMT
- 3 min read
Rafael Leao has been linked with moves to various clubs over the last few months but now Barcelona are also stepping up their interest in him.
The Portuguese star has been flying for Milan over the last year and had an instrumental role in the club’s title win last season, ending an 11-year drought for the championship.
Chelsea wanted to sign Leao in the summer but weren’t willing to pay the high price set by Milan in the final days of the window, eventually suggesting they’ll hold their interest until next summer.
However, there will be plenty of interest in him next summer and his recent performances have only raised the level of attention he is getting.
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Barcelona president loves Leao
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is believed to be a huge admirer of Leao’s talents and is keen to bring him to the Camp Nou soon, according to journalist Toni Juanmarti.
He reportedly ‘loves’ Leao and the club themselves have a very positive outlook on the player, believing he has a great potential in the game.
However, signing him may prove to be difficult given how expensive he’ll be and Barcelona’s well-documented financial problems over the last few years.
Chelsea are still maintaining an interest and he is one of their priorities, but they may have to spend upwards of €100 million to get him next year.
For my country for my people ❤️💛💚@selecaoportugal pic.twitter.com/7RpiLlzTYv
— Rafael Leão (@RafaeLeao7) November 25, 2022
Milan demanded the same fee for him late in the window and Chelsea were reluctant to pay, but now feel they will have to in order to get their man.
Leao’s contract expires in the summer of 2024 and Milan have confirmed to be in negotiations to get that extended in order to put them in a great negotiating position if they want to sell him.
Tottenham are also one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in him as Antonio Conte is a fan but a move to them looks unlikely.
