Rafael Leao celebrates a goal with AC Milan teammate and former Chelsea defender, Fikayo Tomori. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea had enquired about AC Milan star Rafael Leao in the recent summer window. And now, technical director Paolo Maldini has not ruled out any future transfers from the club.
The Blues’ new owner Todd Boehly was looking to bring in the Portuguese from the Italian champions. However, the price tag on the 23-year-old meant the Stamford Bridge side looked at other options.
However, Leao’s future with the Serie A outfit is uncertain. Maldini, who spent 24 years as a player at Milan, speaking to Get Italian Football News (h/t football.london) has revealed that nothing can be ruled out in terms of departures from the club that won the Scudetto last season.
“Have I rejected offers for Leao and Hernandez? I told some not to even show up. In the context of the sustainability, we have the accounts in order, and we don’t need to sell. We want to keep the strongest players, but today there are no more non-transferable players.”
Leao has had a blistering rise to the top in recent years. And Milan were looking for clubs like Chelsea, who were interested in their player in the recent transfer window, to meet the Portuguese star’s release clause.
However, the Blues opted against a move. The Stamford Bridge side were seemingly looking to bolster the forward line in the summer of 2022. In the end, the club ended up signing Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.
Chelsea lost a number of attacking options in the recent transfer window. First, Romelu Lukaku decided to rejoin Inter Milan on loan. The Belgian arrived in London just a year prior. However, the 29-year-old failed to live up to expectations.
Timo Werner also left Chelsea after spending two seasons at the Stamford Bridge side. The German went back to RB Leipzig on a permanent deal.
Will Leao be a player linked with Chelsea once again in the upcoming transfer window? Only time will tell. However, if the Portuguese keeps on progressing the way he is, many top clubs in Europe will evidently want to pursue the 23-year-old’s signature.
Maldini’s aforementioned comments make it clear that while the Italian giants value Leao very highly and don’t want to part ways with him, the right offer could make a potential deal happen.
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