Chelsea are expected to tweak their transfer strategy this summer and go for some ‘ready-made’ players. It remains to be seen how BlueCo and these sporting directors define that. One would that it means well-established names in the game rather than those who have played a bit of football at the Premier League but are still prospects in their own right.
What Chelsea need right now is experience and proven quality. And it looks like they might have the chance to sign a full Portuguese international for a bargain transfer fee, if they are willing to make a push.
Rafael Leao was once considered the best player in Serie A. He was instrumental in AC Milan’s league-winning season some years back. But lately, it feels like his importance to his team has decreased and the Italian giants might even be willing to let him go for a bargain fee.
It has been suggested that a transfer fee in the region of €45-50 million plus bonuses could be enough to convince AC Milan to part with Leao. Even a few years back, it would have taken about twice that to start a conversation.
Should Chelsea make Rafael Leao transfer move?
A move for Leao is definitely worth considering. Even though it feels like he has been around for a long time, the winger is still just 26 years of age. He probably has not even entered his prime.
Leao’s numbers remain strong as well. He has scored 10 goals and provided three assists while playing just 1829 minutes of football for AC Milan this season. It is worth mentioning that he has played more centrally in recent times.
Leao remains a fantastic talent. And for that kind of transfer fee, Chelsea should take a risk. Obviously, there would be some question marks over whether he would be able to make the adjustment to Premier League football or not, having spent so many years in Serie A, which is a slower, more tactics-oriented style.
Leao is the level of signing that needs to be made this summer
Of course, I cannot predict whether Leao would be a success in Chelsea colours or not. But he is the level of player that the club should be targetting.
He is a well-established name who has played at all levels for both club and country. The winger is closing in on 300 appearances for AC Milan. He has 43 caps for Portugal to his name as well.
Chelsea are believed to have a good relationship with Jorge Mendes as well. That might give them a slight edge in the race for Leao.
