Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in pursuit of AC Milan talisman Rafael Leao, also a target of Chelsea.
According to Calciomercato.it, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a contender to rival Chelsea for the signing of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. The London clubs are likely to engage in stiff competition for the 23-year-old, who would command a sizable fee as Milan won’t feel the need to part ways with one of the most prized assets.
Leao took the front seat, with his 21 goal involvements last season playing a vital role as Milan clinched their first Serie A title in 11 years. The Portuguese international has started a notch ahead this campaign, already bagging eight goal contributions in seven Italian top-flight matches.
Chelsea came calling for Leao in the summer, but the Rossoneri stood firm and refused to let the player leave the San Siro. But the player’s contract is up for expiry in 2014, and Milan would not want to gamble on his future. That has prompted Chelsea to remain in the hunt for Leao.
The reigning Italian champions want the 23-year-old to extend his stay at the club. But there is a very sustainable wage structure at the club, and it does not permit breaking the barrier for Leao’s exorbitant demands.
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Tottenham are believed to be ready to accept Leao’s demand and could soon launch a raid to land the Portuguese forward. He is expected to be named in Portugal’s World Cup squad, and a good performance on football’s biggest stage should allow Milan to add more leverage to their negotiations.
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has already compared him with former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. But Leao is yet to hit his peak, although he has shown flashes of brilliance, which has alerted potential suitors, like Chelsea and Tottenham.
Tottenham do have an exciting lineup of attackers, but Antonio Conte is an avid admirer of Leao and wants to add another dimension to his armoury. Primarily a left-winger, the 23-year-old has also been deployed as a number nine and has all the qualities to thrive in the fast pacey nature of the Premier League.
