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

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

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:17 PM
In this article:
English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
England
Italian Serie A logo
ITA Serie A
Italy
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
  • 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.

Rafael Leao, AC Milan, Italian Serie A
Rafael Leao in the red and black colours of AC Milan. Photo by Jonathan Moscrop.
Source: Getty Images

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.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

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.

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.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.