Chelsea are reportedly prepared to offer AC Milan €100 million to beat Manchester City for the signing of striker Rafael Leao. The Rossoneri got tired of the Portuguese striker not putting a new agreement in writing at the San Siro. His contract expires in 2024.
The Blues are interested in the 23-year-old Leao and he could be on the move in the summer transfer window. According to Transfers, the Premier League giants are willing to spend €100 million on the speedy leader. This fee is the minimum required by Milan to part with the player.
Leao has scored nine goals and provided as many assists in 31 appearances in all competitions. He impressed for Portugal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring once in four games.
Chelsea have struggled to score goals all season, making just 23 in the league and sitting in 10th place. The Blues have rebuilt with Graham Potter, and Leao appears to be an option to refresh their stagnant attack.
However, if they want to sign Leao, they will have to beat Manchester City on his transfer. The reigning Premier League champions are reportedly monitoring the striker’s situation.
Erling Haaland has been a huge success for the Citzyzens since joining from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 32 goals in 31 games. However, the scoring burden falls heavily on the Norwegians. Leao would help to contribute more goals and add versatility to Pep Guardiola’s first line.
Manchester City ready to reward former Chelsea target Nathan Ake with a new contract
Chelsea were linked with a move for Manchester City defender Ake last summer. However, the Dutchman’s £50m (€56.3m) valuation of the Citzyens scuttled the Blues. He commented on the failed transfer:
“I was very happy at Man City last season too. It’s football; rumors are like that. You stay and suddenly you play the first game. All I want now is to keep improving, to do well.”
Great team fight to take the 3 points at the Emirates! Let’s keep it up 🔥💙 @City Man https://t.co/6a2TzqX7B5
Ake has been excellent for Guardiola’s team this season. He has featured 26 times in all competitions, scoring twice and helping the team keep nine clean sheets. His impressive form and hunger despite a lack of playing time has persuaded Manchester City to offer him a new contract, according to The Daily Star.
The former Chelsea player will be offered a salary increase from £80,000 (€90,120) to £120,000 (€135,176) per week. He joined reigning champions Bournemouth in 2020 for €45.3m and has made 66 appearances since.