Chelsea are now in a strong position to win the race for an “unbelievable” forward whose price tag has recently dropped by £79m, but there will be competition for his signature from Barcelona, according to a report.
Maresca set to strengthen attacking options
Enzo Maresca is keen to strengthen his attacking options in the summer transfer window, amid doubts over Christopher Nkunku’s future, and Barcelona’s Ferran Torres is the latest player to be named as a target, with a £25m offer currently being prepared.
The Blues are trying to prise Torres away from Barca, and they are also set to battle the La Liga side for the signatures of a number of forwards at the end of the season.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has caught the eye of both clubs, with the Colombian viewed as an ideal acquisition, although he remains keen on agreeing new terms to extend his stay at Anfield.
Another winger being eyed by Barcelona and Chelsea is AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, with a report from Spain revealing both clubs are interested in a summer deal, but the Premier League side could hold a major advantage (via TEAMtalk).
The Blues are said to be in a strong position to win the race for Leao’s signature, as Barca’s financial issues could pose a problem, and the AC Milan winger will not be cheap, although his price has recently dropped significantly.
Previously, Milan had informed interested parties to pay the £145m release clause in the Portugal international’s contract, but they are now willing to sanction his departure for a fee of £66m, with the asking price dropping by £79m.
The 25-year-old is seen as an ideal fit for Maresca’s squad, and he is now set to be available for a much more affordable price at the end of the season.
“Unbelievable” Leao could take Chelsea’s attack to next level
Journalist Sam Tighe has lauded the AC Milan star as “unbelievable”, and for good reason, given how influential he has been for the Serie A side for a number of years, having regularly contributed with goals and assists.
|
Season |
Serie A appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
|
2019-20 |
31 |
6 |
2 |
|
2020-21 |
30 |
6 |
6 |
|
2021-22 |
34 |
11 |
10 |
|
2022-23 |
35 |
15 |
10 |
|
2023-24 |
34 |
9 |
10 |
|
2024-25 |
23 |
5 |
6 |
The Portuguese forward has proven himself at the highest level, having scored three Champions League goals this season, so there is every indication he would be an excellent addition for Chelsea in the summer.
After exhibiting some promising signs at the start of the Premier League season, Jadon Sancho’s form has gone downhill recently, with the Manchester United loanee picking up just one goal contribution in his last 11 matches.
Fabrizio Romano has stated the Blues are locked into making Sancho’s stay a permanent one, with a £25m deal on the cards, but if his performances don’t improve between now and the end of the season, Leao should become a major target.