Chelsea still have Rafael Leao on their list of transfer targets after their failed summer bid as they look for a top striker, according to a report.
Fabrizio Romano spoke on his podcast Here We Go, and he said to ‘keep an eye on Chelsea’ when it comes to top strikers, because in 2023 they will look at that position as one of the priorities.
He adds that Chelsea did make a proposal for Rafael Leao, as Paolo Maldini confirmed that Milan received a verbal bid and not an official bid from Chelsea. This verbal proposal ‘was around €70m plus add-ons to arrive at around €80-85m total’ as per the journalist.
The answer from Milan was that they had ‘no intention’ to accept that money, because the Portuguese winger has a €150m release clause, and there was no way they would sell Leao for €70-75m.
Instead, the Rossoneri ‘are trying to extend his contract’ even though Leao ‘remains a player on Chelsea’s list’, but there is no chance of completing the deal for €70-75m.
Sell in Jan window if there is no renewal by 30th Nov. Leao will use world Cup to further delay committing and finally leave Milan on a free. All these players want to earn $12-15m a year.