Chelsea could benefit from Rafael Leao’s agent attempting to get rid of the release clause written into his AC Milan contract as it may make negotiations over a move to Stamford Bridge easier in January, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. The west Londoners were busy during the summer window and spent more than £250million on reinforcements, but head coach Thomas Tuchel was unable to secure Leao’s services.
According to Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao is set to pen a new long-term contract with AC Milan which will expire in 2027.
The report suggests the reigning Serie A champions are keen to tie the nine-cap Portugal international down to fresh terms amid interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
It is understood that Chelsea also held club-to-club negotiations with AC Milan in August as they attempted to make a breakthrough in their pursuit of Leao.