AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has been linked with a move away from Italy and it appears that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City or keen on securing his services.
According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea preparing an offer for the 23-year-old Portuguese international and they could include Armando Broja in a deal. Manchester City are thought to be formulating an offer in January as well.
The player is reportedly valued at around €120 million.
The 23-year-old Portuguese international has established himself as one of the best attackers in the Italian league and he helped Milan win the Scudetto last season. Leao is rated highly across Europe and it is no surprise that the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City are willing to sign him.
The player has a contract with the Italian club until the summer of 2024 and there have been rumours of a potential extension. However, Milan will have to shell out wages of around €7.5-8 million per season for the player. Furthermore, the player is looking for a five-year deal. Therefore, Milan are looking at a massive investment to keep him at the club for the long run.
It remains to be seen whether the Italian outfit can afford the player’s salary demands or they decide to cash in on him when the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City come calling.
The Blues could definitely use a top-class attacker like Leao, and he would be an upgrade on the likes of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.
As far as Manchester City are concerned, the Premier League champions could use a left-sided attacker after the signing of Jack Grealish failed to make the desired impact. The former Aston Villa star has not been able to live up to the expectations since moving to Manchester City and Guardiola could definitely use more quality on the left flank.
Leao will add pace and flair to the Manchester City attack and he can chip in with goals consistently as well.
He is yet to reach his peak and Leao is likely to improve further with coaching and experience. Whoever ends up signing the Portuguese international is looking at a solid long-term investment.
Raphael leao is a very good player but Chelsea shouldn’t make the mistake they kept on doing in allowing our best and upcoming players to join other clubs . What we needed most now is two good midfielders that can really hold and pass the ball, not Declan rice. Please my dear Chelsea your really causing me pain to see smaller teams beating us, while our rivals are pounding them.