Chelsea’s winger gets a big offer from top European club just days before the Premier League starts, as Xabi Alonso spots his next star player.
Chelsea have a chance to sign a star player who has been linked with both Manchester United and Arsenal, just before the Premier League season starts next weekend, according to reports.
Chelsea will open their season with a derby against West London rivals Fulham and have already added 11 new players thanks to Xabi Alonso. But it looks like they aren’t finished yet. Reports from Italy say Chelsea have been offered Rafael Leao, the Portuguese winger from AC Milan.
Leao has been one of Europe’s best wide players for several seasons, playing nearly 300 games for Milan and scoring double-digit goals each season for the past five years. Many expect him to leave Milan soon. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Leao’s team has reached out to Chelsea to say he’s available.
AC Milan, now managed by Ruben Amorim, reportedly need to sell Leao for financial reasons. They first offered him to Roma, but that didn’t work out, so now Chelsea are in talks. Chelsea might want a new winger if Pedro Neto leaves. Neto, also Portuguese, is valued at around £100 million, and Chelsea would consider selling him if they get the right offer.
Earlier, both Manchester United and Arsenal showed interest in Leao but didn’t make serious moves. Leao himself has said he wants a new challenge. He told Metro, “I need a new challenge. I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while. The league is changing, but I think my style fits better in the Premier League or La Liga. If a Premier League chance comes, I’d be very happy. I believe I can compete with top players there. Playing in that league brings out the best in a player.”
Reports say Chelsea might be able to sign Leao for a reduced fee of £34 million. He’s also attracting interest from Galatasaray, who had a €35 million offer rejected.
Leao could meet with Chelsea owner Gerry Cardinale when he returns to Italy on Thursday, but the 27-year-old doesn’t seem likely to stay at Milan past the summer transfer window.