AC Milan are reportedly considering Federico Chiesa as a possible replacement for star winger Rafael Leao, with the Portuguese likely to leave.
According to Milan-Live, Federico Chiesa has emerged as a target for AC Milan as they begin to look for potential Rafael Leao replacements. The current Rossoneri star man could move out of the club for a big offer from elsewhere, as the Italian giants are looking at the former Juventus star as a possible successor.
Rafael Leao signed his new contract at AC Milan until 2028 with a release clause of €175 million, which makes him one of the most inaccessible players around. That’s not to say that he cannot be acquired for less, but Milan will still demand a significant fee to sell him, probably for more than €100 million.
A few notable clubs are keen on the Portuguese winger, with Barcelona one of those chasing him. Top Premier League sides like Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested, as they are in a better financial position than the Catalans to sign the winger from Milan.
Whether or not Milan wants to sell Leao in January or next summer, they are seemingly looking out for a future replacement. They have now set sights on 2024 Liverpool signing Federico Chiesa, who still needs to settle in well at Merseyside.
There have been rumours that Liverpool might loan him out to gain minutes, as a return to Serie A could be on the cards just six months after quitting Juventus. Milan would look at the idea and might prefer to sign him for a similar price Liverpool paid in the summer.
Will Milan sign Federico Chiesa?
Chiesa has yet to settle in at Liverpool, although there have been more injury issues than form since his arrival in the summer. Arne Slot has yet to see the Italian winger in action much, particularly, and even though he has Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz for competition on the left-hand side, he does have the ability to make a significant impact.
Some reports have suggested Liverpool are not willing to send him out on loan, as they are waiting to integrate him into the squad in due time. Milan’s chances of signing him will be known later when his future at Liverpool becomes apparent, although he could be a suitable replacement for Leao in the future.