Chelsea to Sign Rafael Leao: £70m star now ‘top target for Potter’ at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea boss Graham Potter has identified AC Milan star Rafael Leao as a ‘top target’ ahead of looking to bolster his Stamford Bridge squad, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

The Blues’ chief will be handed the opportunity to strengthen his options when the winter window opens for business at the turn of the year.

According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, Chelsea have turned their attentions towards attempting to land Leao after Armando Broja’s season was ended thanks to sustaining a knee injury earlier this month.

The report suggests AC Milan are looking to fend off the west Londoners’ interest by tying the forward down to fresh terms, but a £70million bid could be enough to tempt them into cashing in.

Despite the Serie A giants’ resistance to sanctioning Leao’s exit, Potter will make an effort to persuade the Chelsea hierarchy to head to the negotiating table with a bid
Journalist Simon Phillips recently told GiveMeSport that the Blues have been ‘in touch’ with the Portugal international’s agent and made it clear they are willing to meet AC Milan’s demands.

Chelsea are hoping to pounce on the uncertainty hanging over Leao’s long-term future as he is set to enter the final 18 months of his £28,000-per-week contract.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Leao?
Romano understands that Leao is among the names at the top of Chelsea boss Potter’s shortlist of targets heading into the January transfer window.

However, the respected Italian journalist believes the capital club will find it difficult to tempt AC Milan into parting with their talisman next month.

Romano told GiveMeSport: “Leao remains a top target for Chelsea, for sure. But it will be a difficult one to conclude in January.

“Milan will try to extend his contract and they are fighting to extend his contract. Let’s see how this negotiation will go.”

Would Leao be a good signing for Chelsea?

Although Chelsea appear to be on the cusp of signing teenage Molde striker David Datro Fofana, that is unlikely to stop Potter targeting further attacking acquisitions.

It could be argued that Leao would be an upgrade on the Blues’ current wide options as FBref statistics show he has averaged more goals and assists per 90 minutes than Raheem Sterling, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech this season.

The 23-year-old also shone at the World Cup despite being limited to five substitute appearances by then-Portugal boss Fernando Santos.

According to Sofascore, Leao found the back of the net every 44 minutes thanks to scoring against Ghana and Switzerland, which further highlights that he is potent in the final third of the pitch.

Additionally, he has been on target seven times and contributed nine assists for AC Milan this season, so there is no doubt that he would be an exciting addition to Potter’s squad.