Chelsea transfer target describes Reece James as 'toughest' opponent
James Shearman
- 6 Oct 2022 16:01 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao has revealed that Reece James is the 'toughest' opponent he has ever faced.
The two faced off in Chelsea's 3-0 victory over AC Milan on Wednesday evening, in which James scored the third goal.
Leao got the better of James on a couple of occasions early on, but the Englishman kept him quiet for large parts.
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"James is a good player, he was all over me and everywhere at the same time, he timed his runs very fine," Leao told somtosport.com.
"I hardly talk about opposing players but this guy is actually the toughest I have faced I think. He scored a goal too against us and that’s something you don’t get from every defender.
Rafael Leao to Chelsea?
Chelsea could offer Milan players in exchange for star striker Rafael Leao next summer, having failed to sign the 23-year-old in the recent transfer window.
The Blues made an offer for Leao, which was turned down, as Milan are looking to receive the player's €150m release clause.
Understandably, despite Leao's talent, Graham Potter's side will not be willing to match that asking price.
So, one way that Chelsea can look to reduce the fee is by including players.
And Milan would be interested in the services of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Trevoh Chalobah, according to reports in Italy.
Rafael Leao, Wilfred Zaha, Leroy Sane, Heung-min Son and Harvey Barnes have attempted 11 dribbles against Reece James this season. They've succeeded in 1.
Oh, and he had 5 goal contributions in those games too. pic.twitter.com/qIirIwK0Sg— ExpectedChelsea (@ExpectedChelsea) October 5, 2022
Another reason the deal is likely is that Rafael Leao is only under contract with Milan until 2024.
The Rossoneri have already been stung by the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Franck Kessie departing the club as free agents in recent years.
One of the challenges that the Italian side face is giving Leao a wage that can compete with the Premier League sides.
Tuttosport reported that Milan made him an offer of €6m per season that could ultimately rise to €7m if bonuses are met.
Such a figure is unlikely to deter Chelsea from attempting to snap up a player that they rate highly.
