Chelsea transfers: Rafael Leao emerges as Aubameyang alternative
Karan Tejwani
- 23 Aug 2022 08:00 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have been in the market for a new forward as of late to help their toothless attack and get some goals in the team after a slow start to the season.
The Blues have only won once this season – on the opening day of the season – and their most recent result was a 3-0 defeat against Leeds United, where they struggled in attack.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have added Raheem Sterling to bolster their attack, but need more following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner over the summer, while Hakim Ziyech could also go.
They targeted Barcelona’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but if that move doesn’t work out, they’re also open to the idea of signing Milan’s Rafael Leao, according to the Press Association, which is a surprising move.
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Chelsea consider Leao possibility
Leao was instrumental in Milan’s title run last season, scoring heavily in the business end of the season and spurring them on to win a first national championship since 2011.
In all, he scored 14 goals in 42 appearances, but his form at the end of the season attracted many suitors, including Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who appreciated his tenacity and energy off-the-ball.
His signing won’t be cheap, though, especially this late in the window and with little time for Milan to find a replacement for him.
It's come late, but what a huge goal that could be for Milan! 💥
Rafael Leão picked his spot and found the gap perfectly 🤌
That's now 10 league goals for the 22-year-old this season. pic.twitter.com/fSjRqJG81h— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 1, 2022
Earlier in the window, it was reported that Milan would demand a fee of about €100 million, and that demand may even rise in the coming days as the club will have to find someone else to take his place in case Leao goes.
It’s believed that Leao’s transfer is still a “tall order” for Chelsea, and it may be worth pursuing at some point in the future if they are indeed going to go for him.
For now, Aubameyang is still the top option considering the price and ease at which the deal can be completed – the Blues are close to reaching a total agreement with Barcelona over the transfer.
Aubameyang has previously worked with Tuchel, hence the player’s eagerness to join, and Chelsea have already lined up future targets, including RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku.
