Chelsea will have a strict watch on Rafael Leao during the World Cup as the AC Milan forward has emerged as a subject of interest for the club.
Pete O’Rourke has told Give Me Sport that Chelsea will be monitoring the performances of Rafael Leao during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 23-year-old has been in stellar form this season and has attracted a whole lot of suitors.
Chelsea have prioritised addressing the attacking front as the current crop of attackers has not added much dynamism. The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling have had some poor outings, and Graham Potter needs to freshen up things. Leao has thus emerged as a viable target.
Leao’s potential was heavily unlocked last season, and he has so far backed up with more involvement this season. His 11 goals and ten assists helped the Italian side to lift their first Serie A title in 11 years last season. And if the Rossoneri need to do well, Leao would have to take centre stage.
The defending champions have used all of their resources in convincing the player to extend his stay. But Milan director Paolo Maldini has insisted their plan to reach a conclusion before the World Cup has failed so far.
“We’ve been talking about this [contract extension] for months, if not years. We’ll meet at the right moment and make a decision. The idea was to close [the deal] before the World Cup, especially with players involved in the competition, Leao in this case. It was not possible.”
It could be the ideal situation for Chelsea who have looked lost in the midst of some very shoddy football. Graham Potter knows he needs a number of game-changers, and Leao could be that missing piece.
The young forward will accept a new challenge. But Milan will demand an exorbitant fee to part ways with him. An offer to the tune of €100 million should be enough to tempt the club into a move.
But if the Blues do not agree with the valuation, they could have to wait till January 2024 when they can offer him a pre-contract to join the club next summer. Journalist Pete O’Rourke has insisted the player will be scrutinised pretty heavily during the World Cup.
“I’m sure they’ll be keeping a close eye on him during the World Cup, and if he does really well for Portugal, Chelsea will be very keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge. But on the flip side of that, it will probably only increase his price tag as well if he does have a good World Cup with Portugal.”
Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea are confident of signing Leao. And it will be interesting to see if they follow up with an offer for the AC Milan talisman after monitoring him at the World Cup.
