Chelsea target Rafael Leão would be a “good addition” for Thomas Tuchel’s side, according to freelance journalist Jacque Talbot.
The Premier League side have been linked with a move for the 23-year old AC Milan forward throughout the summer, with Tuchel looking for more attacking reinforcements for his side.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
What’s the latest on Leão?
According to La Gazetta Dello Sport in Italy, Milan have offered Leão a new deal amid interest from the Premier League.
The news will only come as a blow to Chelsea fans if the nine-time Portugal international actually signs the new deal that is being offered by the Serie A giants.
However, what will disappoint fans of the Stamford Bridge side is that the same report states that Leão is reportedly keen on staying in Italy this summer and Milan will refuse to sell him for anything less than his £127m release clause, after enjoying a successful season at the San Siro.
The club however will be comforted by the fact that they have secured the signing of Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling this month, in a reported £50m deal.
But Talbot believes the signing of Leão would still be an exceptional signing for Chelsea, given the Portuguese star’s age, meaning he would likely be able to develop into a better player given time.
What has Talbot said about Leão?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s [Leão] regarded as some sort of wonderkid and has been linked to a Premier League move.
“He’s one of the brightest stars in Serie A at the moment.
“He's a very talented individual and he would be a good addition to come in for Chelsea.
“He’s young and can develop, so I think that that'd be a good transfer.”
Would Leão be a good signing for Chelsea?
If Leão were to turn down the offered contract from Milan, then the £60m-rated forward would likely be an excellent addition for the Stamford Bridge side.
The former Lille attacker made 42 appearances for the Serie A side last season, scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists in that time, according to Transfermarkt.
Leão is not just an impressive goal producer, but he is also an excellent dribbler of the ball, and the Portugal international ranked in the top 4% of attacking midfielders/wingers across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for dribbles completed per 90 minutes last season (3.23), according to FBref.
And an average SofaScore rating of 7.19 for the forward’s Serie A performances last season suggest that when he was called upon, he was capable of performing to a consistently excellent standard for Milan.
Whilst it will come as a blow to Chelsea that Milan have offered Leão a new deal, it might be worth the club pushing the transfer, in an attempt to turn the exciting forward’s head towards the Premier League club.