Chelsea on RED ALERT: €175m target falls out with manager

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Oct 2024 16:36 BST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Rafael Leao and AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca have fallen out, according to Italian media.

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The Rossoneri's biggest star has found himself on the bench more often than not in recent times. Leao, the 'Portuguese Kylian Mbappe,' has been a talismanic figure for AC Milan for years, but he is struggling to come to grips with life under a new coach.

His compatriot Paulo Fonseca succeeded Stefano Pioli in the summer, but two Portuguese duo have failed to gel so far. In fact, earlier this season, Leao refused to attend a mid-game team talk by Fonseca after having been benched by him before the match.

Over time, relations seemed to normalise, but in recent fixtures, Leao has once again been dropped to the bench. After getting subbed off against Fiorentina, Leao was an unused substitute versus Udinese and he was hooked after 60 minutes against Brugge midweek.

Naturally, then, this has sparked some speculation in Italian media as the relationship between Leao and Fonseca is obviously strained.

Leao axed - will he leave?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fonseca expects his attackers to also contribute defensively and Leao's refusal to do so has essentially forced the manager's hand.

The outlet states that Fonseca has the full backing of his Milan higher-ups to stamp his authority on the squad and, if necessary, to take drastic measures such as axing Leao to send a message.

It is unclear whether this rift between the manager and Milan's biggest name will have long-term consequences, but it is clear that it will fuel the speculation over Leao's future.

The 25-year-old penned a new contract last year, but that has not stopped him from being frequently linked with a move away, with Chelsea and PSG said to be big admirers of him.

Leao is thought to have a €175 million release clause in his deal, but if he is not utilised by the coach, then there is little reason for Milan to insist on such a massive fee, potentially providing a window of opportunity for his suitors.