Chelsea added to their attack by signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling in the summer window. The former arrived at the club on deadline day from Barcelona.
Prior to completing the deal for the former Arsenal man, the Blues tried signing AC Milan star Rafael Leão.
Towards the end of August, reports coming out of Italy stated Chelsea’s interest in the 23-year-old is concrete and real. It was also explained the west London club were refusing to give up on the forward.
In the end, the Premier League side didn’t manage to sign the Portugal international and he’s still at the San Siro. The former Lille man has started this season on a bright note by scoring three goals and registering six assists in eight matches.
With a deal expiring in 2024, the Rossoneri are working to extend his contract. This has been confirmed by Milan chief Paolo Maldini, who also revealed Chelsea’s failed efforts to take Leão away from the Italian champions.
“We have already started talking about the new contract for some time, both with Rafa and with Bennacer and with Kalulu. Renewals can be simple or complicated: the player’s will goes a long way, because the club’s will is there,” Maldini told Sport Mediaset.
“In the summer, Chelsea sent us an offer, albeit unwritten, for Leao: we turned it down. I think the best thing for him is to continue growing here with us. Non-transferable? In words everyone can be, then you have to see what offers arrive.”
