New Chelsea coach Graham Potter showered Rafael Leao with praise ahead of today’s Champions League clash with Milan. The Blues tried to sign him last summer, and they are keeping close tabs on his negotiation with Milan for a contract renewal. They could pursue him again if the parties don’t come to terms soon. But they are significantly closer to landing Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
The gaffer weighed in on the Portuguese ace (via Calciomercato).
“He has impressed me, and he makes the difference in every game with his goals. He’s a top player. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but he’s performing really well with Milan. He has the skills and talent to do it in Premier League too.”
The Chelsea boss, despite hinting at their interest in Leao, refused to address the Nkunku rumors.
“I don’t speak about players that belong to other teams. But our club is surely always attentive.”
As per Sky Sports, the French ace took the medicals for the Pensioners last week, which were supposed to remain secret. He agreed to a new deal until 2026 with RB Leipzig after multiple teams eyed him in the past window. It comprises a €60M release clause that comes into effect next summer. The Blues are plotting to offer more than such sum to acquire him in January. He has yet to sign off on it, though.
Our Take on Leao and Chelsea
The London outfit going all in on somebody else in the winter would take some pressure off of Milan. The extension talks are tricky and unlikely to have a positive outcome soon. Absent a new contract, the Rossoneri will have to make a difficult call next summer.
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