Chelsea manager Graham Potter prefers AC Milan forward Rafael Leao over Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
As per journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea will not prioritise a deal for Cristiano Ronaldo as Rafael Leao looks to be on their radar. The Blues are destined to make some changes to their squad in near future but Ronaldo doesn’t seem to be in their plans as things stand.
The Portuguese appears to be on his way out of United after his behaviour during the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur triggered a number of people at the club including the manager Erik ten Hag.
He was an unused substitute during the game and was seen walking down the tunnel before the referee even blew the whistle. He also refused to come on and left the stadium without the prior approval of the manager.
This whole incident irked the Dutch gaffer and he decided to drop the talismanic striker for the Chelsea game on Saturday. It remains to be seen what steps are taken to ensure these kinds of incidents don’t happen further as they could disrupt the team momentum.
Chelsea have been looking at Leao as a possible option and their interest in the player is nothing new. Potter also rates the forward very highly and had a keen eye on the player when Milan visited Chelsea in the Champions League very recently.
Leao’s current contract runs until 2024 and Milan’s best way to determine the perfect value of the player would be to place him in the market in the summer. Manchester United are also reportedly keeping a tab on his movement and should Ronaldo leave the club in January they might raid the San Siro to replace the 37-year-old.
United are also weighing up moves to terminate Ronaldo’s contract and it would allow both the club and the player to find a distinctive way on their own. Leao’s agility and physicality have added a new dimension to his skills and should he arrive in London, Chelsea will be flexing their muscles in the Premier League for quite a while.
