Chelsea make contact over potential move for €150 million release clause player
According to Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto, Chelsea have enquired about the possibility of signing AC Milan forward Rafael Leao this summer,
However, Chelsea have made six major additions to their squad during the ongoing transfer window. They have signed Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei and Gabriel Slonina for a combined sum of over €200 million.
The Blues are expected to bolster their ranks further before the window closes on September 1. They are currently focused on bringing in a new centre-back but signing a new forward is also on the agenda.
Meanwhile, the Blues are really pushing a deal for AC Milan forward Leao, as per the English daily. They have, in fact, made contact over a potential move for the 23-year-old.
According to Moretto, discussions over a deal have taken place between the parties involved. The Stamford Bridge outfit, though, are yet to make a formal offer for the former Lille forward.
Milan are seemingly reluctant to sanction a move for Leao this late in the transfer window. They have responded to Chelsea’s interest in the player by referring to the €150 million release clause in his contract, as per the Relevo journalist.
Meanwhile, PA journalist Nick Purewal has claimed that the Blues have been encouraged to initiate talks for Leao. Tuchel’s side had cooled their interest in the Portugal international after Milan grew confident about tying him down to a new deal earlier in the summer.
However, Leao, whose contract expires in 2024, is yet to agree to a new deal with the Serie A giants. Signing the forward this summer remains a herculean task for the Premier League club.
It now remains to be seen if Chelsea can convince Milan to lower their asking price for Leao.
Es cierto que el Chelsea ha preguntado por Rafael Leão. Hay conversaciones entre las partes, tal y como ha adelantado @DuncanCastles. Pero NO hay oferta oficial, firme. El Milan se remite a la cláusula: 150M€.
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) August 22, 2022