If Chelsea need an alternative target to Raphinha or Ousmane Dembele, then AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is one to ‘look out for’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Blues are in the market for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Romelu Lukaku, but they are facing stiff competition for the signatures of their top targets.

What is the latest news involving Chelsea?

A recent report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Chelsea were close to agreeing a fee with Leeds United for Raphinha after verbally indicating they are ready to pay a price north of £55 million.

However, Barcelona is believed to be the Brazil international’s preferred destination, and The Times have claimed that the Catalan giants are prepared to match the west London outfit’s offer.

Another potential target for Chelsea is believed to be Dembele, whose contract with Barcelona expired at the end of June.

The Sun previously claimed that the talented 25-year-old was ready to be reunited with his former manager Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, yet Spanish outlet Sport now state he’s set to put pen to paper on fresh terms with Barca.

As a result, Chelsea may be forced to assess alternative targets, and Leao seems to be one player who the club’s hierarchy have been monitoring.

What has Jones said about Leao?

90min reported that the capital club are ‘keeping tabs’ on the Portugal international as they continue to assess their attacking options in the transfer market.

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And Jones believes Leao is on the verge of being ‘a superstar’ and has refused to rule out Chelsea making a move.

He told GiveMeSport: “If they do need a back-up option, then look out for Rafael Leao at AC Milan. He’s on the verge, I'd say, of being a superstar. He had an unbelievable campaign with Milan last season as they won the Scudetto.”

Would Leao be a good signing?

Leao arrived at Milan from LOSC Lille back in August 2019 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The 23-year-old enjoyed his most productive campaign yet last time out, registering 14 goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances, playing a pivotal part as the Rossoneri ended an 11-year wait for a Serie A title.

Capable of playing upfront as well as his more natural role on the left-wing, Leao could provide the firepower that was missing from Chelsea’s forward line last term.