Chelsea have set sights on Rafael Leao, but they haven’t reached out to Milan to start negotiating. The Rossoneri don’t want to sell their ace, but a humungous offer could be hard to turn down. Given its size, it would be challenging to put together the deal in the final days of the window, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
The Blues would have to tender at least €100M to onboard the Portuguese attacker. He has two agents, the well-known Jorge Mendes and a French lawyer who’s close to his family. Both would ask for sizeable commissions.
Leao has been sanctioned to pay €16.5M to Sporting CP for his tumultuous exit back in 2018, and that would be a factor in the negotiation with Chelsea, after slowing down the extension talks with Milan. The total disbursement for the Pensioners would be close to €150M. It was the amount of his release clause, which lapsed in the first half of July.
Therefore, the Rossoneri have a say in the matter too. They believe the youngster wants to stay put, but they will have to come to terms on a new contract afterward. His current one expires in 2024. Barring a surprise before deadline day, the matter will be handled by new owner Gerry Cardinale. The takeover should be complete in October or November. The negotiation will inevitably impact their salary policy.
Our Take on Chelsea, Milan, and Leao
It would be a stunning turn of events and a massive blow to the Italian champions, who like to plan and take their time in the transfer market. The Blues have been ambitious and invested lavishly this summer. While it’s really a long shot, it might not be an outlandish proposition.
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