Rafael Leao has offered hot and cold performances this season but remains one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, and several clubs have been watching him ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Portugal international has only scored nine goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season but remains one of the most exciting players in Europe.
Chelsea tried to sign him in the summer of 2022, months after Milan’s first Scudetto victory in a decade.
Leao had played a key role in the Rossoneri’s title-winning campaign and was named the best Serie A player of that season.
Chelsea made their move to sign Leao in the final days of the 2022 summer transfer window, but it was too late as Leao’s release clause had expired and the defending Serie A champions would not accept less than €150m for their star man.
Two years later, Milan’s asking price has even raised as the versatile striker has signed a new contract until June 2028 with a new €175m clause attached.
Gambles on players’ transfers have become as popular as Online Casinos, but given his new clause, it is not guaranteed that Leao will leave in June.
As recently explained by Football Italia transfer expert Matteo Moretto, Milan won’t listen to offers below €175m next summer even if clubs interested in the Portuguese will predictably try to lower his transfer fee.
Chelsea no longer seem to be in the conversation for Leao, as the Blues are not expected to play Champions League football next season. Furthermore, the Premier League giants will likely rely on younger players who can thrive at the club rather than signing proven top-class players, such as Leao, for a high price and with hefty salaries.
PSG seem a possible destination for the Milan star in 2024-25, given that the Ligue 1 giants will lose Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer, with the French superstar destined to join Real Madrid.
The Ligue 1 giants are keeping a close eye on Serie A as, aside from Leao, they are also considering Victor Osimhen (Napoli) and Lautaro Marinez (Inter) as possible replacements for Mbappé in 2024-25.
Newcastle are also said to be interested in Leao, and so are Barcelona, as reported by Spanish sources, but the Catalans don’t seem to have the financial resources to persuade Milan to sell one of their biggest assets.
In the meantime, the talented Portuguese forward will push hard to end the season in the best way for Milan, hoping to help the Rossoneri win the Europa League for the first time in history and qualify for the next edition of the Champions League.