“He’s A mobile forward and a pacy dribbler“ Pep could hijack him“– Chelsea warned to sign 23-year-old target on-time before rivals hijack deal
Paul Robinson, a former goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur, believes that Manchester City’s race to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao will only interfere with Chelsea’s hiring plans.
Leao, whose current contract at the San Siro has two years left, rose to fame with his outstanding displays on the left side last season. The forward scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists for AC Milan in 42 games played in all competitions during the 2021–22 season.
According to trade specialist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea was in prime position to sign the Portuguese forward earlier this summer but Stefano Pioli’s team turned down a verbal offer. The Serie A juggernauts value the former Lille player at his £129 million release clause.
Meanwhile, Calciomercato reports that Leao is also on the radar of Manchester City despite the array of offensive players at manager Pep Guardiola’s disposal.
Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that City are only interested in Leao to prevent their Premier League rivals from improving their squad with his addition. He elaborated:
“You would not say that they need another forward. They are probably looking at signing him just so others do not have him. City are amassing a squad with two top-quality players in every position. They do not need any additions when you look at their squad.”
“But we know that Pep Guardiola likes to rotate. To have a player like Leao at your disposal would be great. If the board are going to let you sign him, why wouldn’t you?”
He added: “City are a team competing on all fronts so I’m sure he would be interested even if he is not guaranteed to start. You are guaranteed to win silverware at City. What player would not want that?”
A mobile forward and a pacy dribbler, Leao has already contributed three goals and six assists in eight appearances for the Rossoneri so far this season.