How Chelsea Target Rafael Leao Could Force AC Milan New Contract or Exit With World Cup Outing

• AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has been in talks with the club over a new contract but is yet to reach an agreement
• Chelsea have been hot on the heels of the Portuguese with Todd Boehly ready to make him a marquee signing for the Blues
• Leao is currently in Qatar with Portugal where he hopes to shine and force AC Milan to grant his demands or force a move out of San Siro

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao is one of the hottest players in European football for over a year now, and certainly one to watch out for in Portugal's star-studded attack at the World Cup in Qatar.

Leao's current contract with the Rossoneri expires in 2024. He has been in talks with the club over a new improved and lengthy deal, but an agreement is yet to be reached, as reported by Sports Brief.

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Chelsea are currently monitoring Leao's contract situation and will be ready to deal with AC Milan, regardless of the outcome of the negotiation.

World Cup crucial for Leao

Leao, who is currently for Portugal at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, could make his World Cup debut against the Black Stars of Ghana later today.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and João Felix are ahead of Leao, but with Felix struggling for minutes at Atletico Madrid, Leao can hope for a start.

Last season's Serie A MVP will hope for a good tournament either as a starter or off the bench, to either force AC Milan to meet his wage of €7 million per season or to influence Chelsea to break the bank for him.

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Chelsea to take Nkunku risk

Sports Brief earlier reported that Chelsea will sign Christopher Nkunku, a transfer that is considered a major risk after he withdrew from France World Cup squad due to knee ligament injury.

The deal was wrapped up at the end of the last summer window, with the Blues reportedly more than willing to meet his release clause of £52.5m.

Chelsea are in the market for attackers with Nkunku, Leao and Arsen Zakharyan high on their list, amid the possible departures of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.