Chelsea will reportedly compete with PSG for 24-year-old Portuguese international Rafael Leao, valued at £150 million by AC Milan.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on HITC, Rafael Leao is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Portuguese international is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, the AC Milan talisman has a release clause worth £150 million in his contract with the Serie A giants.
The Rise and Rise of Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao has transformed into a prolific attacker since joining AC Milan from LOSC Lille in August 2019. The Rossoneri shelled out a considerable sum to secure his services. And while he was an inconsistent performer in the final third but has come leaps and bounds in the last half a decade.
The 24-year-old has been solid in the 2023/24 season, even though he has not been as productive thus far. The Portuguese international has contributed to 16 goals in 29 appearances, finding the back of the net seven times while providing nine assists. Meanwhile, Leao’s progress at AC Milan has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs.
La Liga heavyweights like Barcelona and Real Madrid have shown interest in Rafael Leao. In addition, he is a target for many Premier League bigwigs, including Chelsea. And the West London club will compete with Paris Saint-Germain for the AC Milan talisman, whose release clause is worth £150 million.
Chelsea, PSG Want Leao
Chelsea’s eagerness to sign Leao is understandable. The Blues hold a long-standing interest in the Portuguese international, having also considered securing his services last summer. But a move did not materialise, with the Rossoneri keeping hold of him. Meanwhile, with Raheem Sterling facing an uncertain future at Chelsea, Leao can be a viable option to replace him.
As for PSG, the Ligue 1 champions are in the market for a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is reportedly closing in on joining Real Madrid this summer. Mbappe will thus open up a spot in the attack, which Rafael Leao can take up.
Chelsea and PSG have the financial ability to pay £150 million to secure Leao’s services. And AC Milan will be powerless if suitors trigger his release clause, as they only need to convince him to join them to seal the move.
