Chelsea ‘ahead of everyone’ in race for Rafael Leao after already landing Nkunku
Chelsea are "ahead of everyone" in the race to sign Rafael Leao after already landing Christopher Nkunku.
The Blues were reportedly one of a number of clubs to submit informal offers to AC Milan for the Portuguese winger in the summer but failed with an attempt to land him late on in the transfer window. However, they remain interested along with a host of top European clubs and currently lead the pack attempting to sign him, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Milan are currently looking to extend Leao's contract, which is set to expire in 2024, and the report states that he “will not be sold” for “less than €100m”.
READ MORE: Chelsea starlet Armando Broja lived in single room with entire family after fleeing war
Leao has impressed in Italy since joining the Serie A champions from Lille back in 2019 for just over £26.5million, having previously attracted interest from both Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund earlier in his career.
The 23-year-old has scored 31 goals and provided 28 assists in 124 appearances for Milan to date, including 11 goal contributions in eight matches already this campaign.
A left winger who can also play as a striker, Leao has 11 caps for Portugal at senior level after making his full international debut in October of last year. His performances in the club's title-winning campaign last term also saw him named their player of the year.
Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League this season? Let us know in the comments section below.
News of Chelsea's pursuit of Leao comes after the club reportedly agreed to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig next summer, stealing a march on the rest of Europe for the exciting French midfielder.
Nkunku is understood to have a release clause in his contract with the Bundesliga side which will become active next summer after he extended his deal until 2026 earlier this year.
However, Chelsea have managed to agree a deal months ahead of that clause becoming active by pledging to pay a larger fee to Leipzig. Nkunku himself has also agreed to the move and already had the first stages of a secret medical with the club.
Both Arsenal and Manchester United were linked with the former Paris Saint-Germain man in the summer after he scored 35 goals and added 20 assists in all competitions last season.
READ NEXT:
Christopher Nkunku pens Chelsea deal as 'Blues pledge to pay over the release clause'
Chelsea looking to land second RB Leipzig signing after shock Christopher Nkunku swoop
Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu sets disastrous unwanted Serie A record for Spezia
Source: Read Full Article