In a recent print edition, Corriere dello Sport stated that Chelsea are eyeing a fresh move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao. It has been revealed that the Blues are showing interest in acquiring the services of the Portugal international next year.
Leao’s Excellent Run Of Form In Italian Football This Season
The 23-year-old is having another impressive campaign at San Siro as he has continued to perform at a high level on the left side of Milan’s attack. Leao has banged in three goals and picked up six assists in eight appearances for the Italian giants this season in various competitions.
The Portuguese sensation has been an unstoppable force in the final third and has done well to average 4.2 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game in Serie A football. He has even been accurate with his ball distribution after making 81.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Leao’s current deal with the Milan outfit will run out in the summer of 2024. Hence, Chelsea might have a chance of secure his services if they are willing to make an attractive offer for him at the end of this campaign when he will just have a year left at San Siro.
What Will Leao Bring To Chelsea?
Leao has got decent pace under his belt that helps him complete some dangerous dribbles in the final third. He can be quite effective when left isolated in a 1v1 situation with his marker and has got the eye to play some decisive passes in and around the opponent’s penalty box. Leao mainly functions as a left-sided wide player but can also fill in as a centre-forward if needed.
The nine-time Portugal international has now added plenty of goals to his game as well which has made him such an influential member of Milan’s squad. Leao has what it takes to be a grand success at Stamford Bridge if Graham Potter can somehow devise a way to land him next year. However, only time will tell whether he can cope with the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football.
Still, we can expect the Serie A wing wizard to bring a lot of goals and creativity to Potter’s frontline at the West London club. At 23, Leao will only get better in the coming seasons which makes him a perfect choice for the Blues to pursue next year.
