The summer transfer window is close by and Chelsea and Barcelona are already sharpening their swords (or rather checkbooks) in what would be a blockbuster signing. Their target? None other than AC Milan’s star winger, Rafael Leao.
This could be a dramatic showdown with both clubs so desperate to add to their wide positions. After Chelsea targets Leao as a squad depth booster, Barca is keen on him in order to add goals and creativity to his attack. However, the one small problem is AC Milan had the hand, and they’re not letting Leao go cheap.
Why Chelsea Want Rafael Leao
This season, Chelsea’s attack has been a magic trick gone wrong. But Jadon Sancho’s arrival was a bang, then a bad illusion. Pedro Neto hasn’t utilized his quality and Joao Felix has literally left for Milan. Judging by that, the Blues are now clearly in the market for a game-changer and Leao could do the trick.
Leao is fast, skillful and unpredictable and in 35 starts this season has netted nine goals and added eight assists. Chelsea are looking for someone capable of doing something in the final third, and doesn’t a team’s attack have to have one of those seasons at least once?
Why Barcelona Want Rafael Leao
However, Barcelona already have young superstar Lamine Yamal and the ever present Raphinha on the wings. And why are they still in hot pursuit of Leao?
Well, depth. Squad depth. It was always an attainable man, they had their eyes (after)Last summer… but as we all know, serious matters always arise and they couldn’t make it happen because of those ever present financial struggles (seriously, is that person’s accountant on vacation?)!! They do not want to miss out again now, with Leao potentially available.
The Transfer Saga: What’s Next?
AC Milan have the upper hand here, thanks to the fact that Leao is under contract for three more years with them, until 2028. Any potential suitor, though, will have to cough up a handsome fee to convince him to leave the San Siro. Can Chelsea and Barcelona afford him because both are interested?
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been spending in recent years and Barcelona remain tighter than a pack metro packed full with rush hour. But Chelsea’s chequebook history could see them pip them in this particular race.
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