Transfer Centre

Chelsea handed boost in Rafael Leao pursuit?

By George Priestman | 07 November 2022

Chelsea reportedly receive a boost in their transfer pursuit of AC Milan's Rafael Leao due to complications in his current contract negotiations with the club.

Chelsea have reportedly been handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

Leao, 23, has risen to prominence over the last year having played a key part in Milan winning the Serie A title last season, an achievement that saw him finish 14th in the recent Ballon d'Or rankings.

The Blues have held an interest in Leao in recent times and are hoping to take advantage of the complications that have arisen in Milan's talks with the player.

Nevertheless, according to Sky Italia, the Portuguese international's change of agent has seen talks with Milan break down and Leao's former club Sporting Lisbon are also complicating discussions further.

The issue with Sporting is down to how Leao, prior to his move to Lille, terminated his contract with what was his boyhood club after players and staff were assaulted by fans at the club's training ground.

Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan on October 8, 2022 © Reuters

Following his big money move from Lille, Sporting felt they were owed some compensation having developed the player through the youth system.

They took the issue to FIFA who settled on the compensation fee to be €19m (£16.5m) for Leao to pay his former club; he cannot extend his contract with Milan without settling his own personal debt with his former club first.

With his current deal running out in 2024, Milan are hoping to tie him down to an extended contract to fend off interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.

The two English clubs have been linked with making bids around €120m (£105m) for the winger as early as January, as Milan could see another star player depart.

Leao has continued his form from last season into this campaign with six goals and nine assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.

Given he has started every game for his club this season, apart from one substitute appearance, his stature as a key player is indisputable and Milan have a battle on their hands to keep him at the club.

With 11 caps for his country, he will likely be a part of Portugal's 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which will be an opportunity to impress on the world stage amid talk of a potential move away from the San Siro.