Rafael Leao: Chelsea, PSG & five clubs that could sign AC Milan star

Karan Tejwani

• Updated: 16 Jun 2022 13:10 BST
• 4 min read

Rafael Leao is one of the brightest young players in the game and had a starring role in Milan’s title-winning season, ending the Rossoneri’s 11-year drought for a title.

The Portuguese scored 11 goals in 34 Serie A appearances and had a huge influence on the final weeks of the season to spur Milan on to the championship.

His improvement this year hasn’t gone unnoticed, and many clubs are interested in bringing him over to better their sides this summer.

So, what options does Leao have for a move?

Real Madrid

Real Madrid may be in the market for an attacking player, following Kylian Mbappe’s extension at Paris Saint-Germain that may keep him at the club until 2025.

Florentino Perez has recently said there will be no new signings unless there are departures, and there could be many players on the move, opening the door for a Leao transfer.

The European champions have already forked out a large sum to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, and may have to do so again if they want Leao.

Chelsea

Chelsea are a club in need of a forward having had a complicated season in front of goal, and could send Romelu Lukaku back to Inter.

That would mean they need to bring in a replacement up front, and Leao could be that player, as Tuchel looks to get someone direct.

Chelsea will be vary of taking another risk though, as they wouldn’t want to fork out a big fee for the player only to see him struggle at Stamford Bridge.

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG aren’t in desperate need for another attacking player, but should they be able to offload Neymar, it could be a possibility that they sign one.

They’ve been linked with a move for Robert Lewandowski in recent weeks, but Leao could be a different, younger option this summer.

Once again, though, it’s the fee that could hold them back, as Milan will be looking to make around €100 million, something that PSG may be unwilling to pay.

Manchester City

Once again, a club that doesn’t have an immediate need to sign an attacking player having already struck a deal for Erling Haaland, but an option that may still exist.

The Premier League champions may look to sign a player in case Raheem Sterling leaves, with the Englishman linked with a move following a relatively underwhelming campaign.

Still, though, a move to the Etihad Stadium seems less likely than others, and is only likely to happen depending on moves elsewhere.

Arsenal

One club that does need a forward is Arsenal, following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette over the last few months.

The Gunners have lacked goalscoring threat, and that ultimately cost them a spot in the Champions League as they often struggled to get the ball in the net.

Getting Leao could change that, but whether they can fork out a big fee is a big question, especially seeing as they need other players as well.