One Romelu Lukaku issue needs to be resolved before Chelsea makes their £100 million transfer, Rafael Leao
3 min read
Rafael Leao is still a goal for Chelsea, but there is one issue that needs to be resolved before a 2023 transfer for the AC Milan and Portugal star can be finalized.
Chelsea goal Profile of Rafael Leo
Rafael Leao’s World Cup performance did little to quell the increasing buzz about his talent in front of what might be a game-changing 2023 for the 23-year-old.
Leao undoubtedly had enough opportunity to make an impression, even though Portugal’s hopes of winning the tournament were dashed by Morocco’s heroic performance in the quarterfinal on Saturday.
Two goals, the most impressive of which came in the 6-1 triumph against Switzerland last week, perfectly encapsulated the fervor surrounding this up-and-coming talent. In the summer, when Todd Boehly and Clearlake’s eye-catching spend made headlines, connections to Chelsea began to surface. Despite any rumors of a massive £100,000,000.
The fact that Chelsea was paired with AC Milan in the Champions League group stage helped with that because it allowed the Blues to see the winger up close and personal at Stamford Bridge in October. Leao showed flashes of tremendous brilliance, but he couldn’t save Milan from losing to the Blues twice in a row.
In the opening period of the match against Chelsea, he drove down the left, dancing into the box, and easily fending off physical challenges from defenders.
The seven goals he scored for AC Milan before to the World Cup (six in Serie A and one in the Champions League) serve as further proof of his effectiveness.
According to writer Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport Germany, Leao does not want to extend his current deal with the Rossoneri, which expires in 2024. While Leao was in Qatar, Chelsea also talked to him, but their £60 million offer was rejected.
It is obvious why Leao is being sought after by Europe’s top clubs. His ball handling prowess is frightening, and his eye for all types of goals points to a guy who could dominate in certain pivotal matches. Leao’s signing would likely be the largest so far in Chelsea’s new owners’ commitment to investing heavily in young players.
Should Todd Boehly seek a deal, there is still a significant issue about the player and how he may adjust to playing for Chelsea in the Premier League.
Pressing is crucial in today’s game, as it became a hot topic last season with another significant Italian signing. Even if they can score goals, having players at the best level who lack that quality may be extremely damaging in the tightest games.
In the 2021–2022 season, Thomas Tuchel struggled with Romelu Lukaku’s inability to do this off-the-ball, and in the end, Kai Havertz replaced the Belgian as Thomas Tuchel’s first choice.
Should Todd Boehly seek a deal, there is still a significant issue about the player and how he may adjust to playing for Chelsea in the Premier League.
Pressing is crucial in today’s game, as it became a hot topic last season with another significant Italian signing. Even if they can score goals, having players at the best level who lack that quality may be extremely damaging in the tightest games.
Huge transfer update on Chelsea star Rafael Leao ahead of January window in big blow
In the 2021–2022 season, Thomas Tuchel struggled with Romelu Lukaku’s inability to do this off-the-ball, and in the end, Kai Havertz replaced the Belgian as Thomas Tuchel’s first choice.
In the second half against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge back in October, you could see the problem for AC Milan when Leao doesn’t press or track back, as Reece James controlled the right side, setting up the second goal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and scoring the third goal soon after.
