Chelsea had planned to add Christian Pulisic or Hakim Ziyech as part of a deal to sign Rafael Leao before he signed the new Milan contract.
David Ornstein of The Athletic claimed Chelsea were preparing a part-exchange deal to sign Rafael Leao in the summer. The Blues were open to including Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech as part of the move, plus cash that reaches their valuation of the 23-year-old Serie A star.
Rafael Leao is a player that has ensured sleepless nights for executives of some of the top clubs in the continent. The 23-year-old Serie A star finally ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new five-year deal with AC Milan.
He has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a long time, as there were doubts about whether he would remain at Milan beyond this summer. His previous deal expired in 2024, and he had many top clubs lurking about, keen to discover his situation at the San Siro.
Chelsea have been linked with Leao since Todd Boehly took over the club last summer. They wanted the 23-year-old Serie A star as part of their drive to recruit some of the best young stars in football. However, they must have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the summer after the Portuguese penned his new contract.
As per David Ornstein, Chelsea was planning to pursue Leao during the summer window and sign the 23-year-old Serie A star as a striker rather than playing on the wings. For the latter, they had already invested heavily in Mykhailo Mudryk.
Moreover, Chelsea planned a part exchange involving Christian Pulisic or Hakim Ziyech. The duo had previously interested Milan, but the Italian giants will have been happy with Leao staying at the club.
Chelsea are still interested in the 23-year-old Serie A star, but things have changed on the other end. If the Blues or any other club wishes to sign Leao, they must trigger his €175 million buy-out clause, which is a part of his new five-year deal.
Chelsea could spend significantly in the next window, seeking many players in key positions. They envisaged one of them with Leao, but they will have to look for a new striker in the summer. As for the 23-year-old Serie A ace, he hopes to help Milan win plenty in the next few years. But a big move could happen.
