Chelsea receive Rafael Leao transfer boost

Cameron Smith

• 24 Dec 2022 10:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have been handed a fresh boost in their attempts to sign AC Milan and Portugal forward Rafael Leao.

Leao, 23, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for several months, but the Blues weren't able to agree a transfer fee with Milan over the summer despite heavy interest. Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech was linked with a move in the opposite direction, but that also didn't materialise.

The forward has scored seven goals and assisted nine in 20 appearances in all competitions for Milan this term, and netted twice at the 2022 World Cup, despite only playing 83 minutes at the tournament.

READ: How Nkunku transfer affects Chelsea’s move for Rafa Leao

He also played a key role in Milan's Scudetto win last season, notching three goals and six assists in the final six games as Milan held off the challenge from city rivals Inter.

Milan are desperate to tie Leao down to a new, long-term contract but he has not agreed fresh terms at San Siro yet. His current deal is set to expire in June 2024, meaning he has just 18 months left on his contract at the Italian giants.

Furthermore, Chelsea have seen their hopes of landing him boosted by their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

READ: Chelsea see €70m Leao bid rejected by Milan

How Tottenham have helped Chelsea's pursuit of Leao

Antonio Conte's side were in the market for a new forward over the summer, but they were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Nantes forward Randal Kolo Muani.

The 24-year-old instead joined Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer in the summer, and has netted five goals and 10 assists in the Bundesliga this term. That form, as well as his displays in the World Cup semi-final and final, has prompted Milan to begin their pursuit to sign him, according to La Repubblica.

Whether Milan view Kolo Muani as a potential successor to Leao or someone to play alongside the Portuguese international is unknown, but adding him to their roster would certainly boost Chelsea's chances of landing their dream target Leao.