Chelsea transfer latest: Interest established in Serie A MVP Rafael Leao, as Tuchel targets more than Dembele

Chelsea have joined the growing list of admirers for AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao, a report has revealed.

Leao was named the best player in Serie A after helping Milan to the Scudetto in the season just gone. Along the way, he scored 14 goals and added 12 assists from 42 appearances in all competitions.

In the process, the Portugal international has emerged onto the radar of several clubs. A recent report linked him with Manchester City and Real Madrid, the champions of England and Spain respectively.

Subsequent claims have denied Madrid’s interest. However, another contender for Leao’s signature could be Chelsea.

A new report from 90min has revealed that Chelsea are now monitoring the forward’s situation. He could be part of their plans to evolve their attack in the summer.

Leao largely features as a left winger, but can also play centrally. Therefore, he could replace any of Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic or Hakim Ziyech if they leave.

All four are facing uncertain futures going into the transfer window. Lukaku wants to return to Inter Milan, Werner has struggled to live up to expectations up front, and Pulisic and Ziyech have both been in and out of the team under Thomas Tuchel.

Indeed, neither of the two attacking midfielders featured in even half of Chelsea’s Premier League games in the 2021-22 season.

Now, if Chelsea – in their new era under Todd Boehly’s ownership – want to keep making strides towards a title challenge, they will need to find players in those roles that Tuchel can rely on more.

At the age of 22, Leao has a high ceiling. He already has more than 100 appearances for Milan and is a full Portugal international.

Therefore, he will want to be playing for a club that matches his ambition.