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AC Milan could make former Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao available for €40m (£35m) this summer, according to reports in the Italian media.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Rossoneri are seriously considering offloading the Portuguese international at the end of the season.
Leao’s performances have been pretty poor in recent months, having scored just two goals since January, and there is a feeling that his time at the San Siro could be coming to an end.
Some have valued the player at between €40m (£35m) and €50m (£44m) and Journal report that Milan’s owners may have to consider selling him for that amount.
Chelsea tried to sign the player in 2023
It was widely reported that the Blues attempted to snap up Leao for a fee in the region of €80m (£70m) to €100m (£87m) just under three years ago, although it wasn’t a cash-only proposal.
Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech were offered up as part of the offer, but the proposal wasn’t accepted. Leao ultimately ended up signing a new contract with a release clause worth €175m (£152m).
Over the years, his form has ebbed and flowed, with Portugal boss Roberto Martinez once describing him as “one of the best players in the world one-on-one” following a standout performance against Poland in November 2024. However, his lack of consistency has always prevented him from becoming an elite player.
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Could the Blues revive their interest in Leao?
Journal claim that Manchester United and teams in Saudi Arabia are more likely to table formal bids for the 26-year-old this summer.
However, it is believed that Liam Rosenior’s side have been looking at strengthening the left wing once again. There is thought to be interest in FC Cologne’s Said El Mala as well as RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, so if Leao does come onto the market with a relatively low asking price, there is a chance that they would consider pursuing him.
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