Chelsea ‘will be back next year’ for £86m target at Stamford Bridge – report
Journalist Dean Jones claims that Chelsea “will be back next year” to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao after failing to do so this summer.
The Blues were rumored to be interested in signing the 23-year-old, but they weren’t willing to pay the Rossoneri’s exorbitant asking price during the recently concluded transfer season.
According to Spanish journalist Manu Sainz (via Football London), Milan turned down Chelsea’s offer of €100 million (£86.5 million) for Leao because they wanted to hang onto their prized possession.
The Portugal international is known to have a €150m (£129.7m) release clause in his contract, but the reigning Serie A champions could be forced to compromise in 12 months’ time.
That’s because Leao’s existing deal is due to expire in the summer of 2024, meaning if they refuse to negotiate with his potential suitors in the next two transfer windows and the youngster doesn’t commit his future to the club, they could lose him on a free.
However, Jones has reiterated that Milan were unwilling to compromise on Leao’s release clause over the summer, but has tipped Chelsea to revive their interest in him over time.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Leao emerged as one of the most exciting forwards in the world, and as such, Chelsea would love to have him.
“Milan were not letting him leave for anything less than his release clause, but Chelsea will be back next year for him.”