Chelsea set to revisit major transfer target as Milan softens stance | OneFootball

Chelsea and Rafael Leão: Is the Long-Awaited Transfer Finally Happening?

For years, Chelsea’s admiration for Rafael Leão has simmered in the background, occasionally bubbling to the surface during transfer windows, only to fade away under the weight of financial demands. Now, however, as Gazzetta dello Sport reports, AC Milan may be more open than ever to cashing in on their Portuguese forward.

At first glance, this represents an intriguing shift. Milan, historically reluctant to part with their stars, are reportedly unconvinced that Leão has significantly improved in recent years. It’s a remarkable stance for a player who, at his best, combines power, pace, and trickery in a way few wingers in Europe can match. But it also raises the question: Is Chelsea chasing the player he was, or the player he could be?

Milan’s Changing Stance and Chelsea’s Need for Firepower

Milan’s reported willingness to accept £66 million—less than half of Leão’s release clause—suggests a reassessment of his value. The reality is, Leão has not made the leap from exciting talent to truly world-class operator. His numbers remain respectable but not staggering, and his consistency has been questioned.

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Meanwhile, at Chelsea, there is a growing sense that the club still lacks a truly dominant left-sided attacker. Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke have all underwhelmed, with Sancho in particular failing to impress the Chelsea hierarchy. This leaves an open vacancy—one that Leão has long been seen as the ideal candidate to fill.

A Potential Swap Deal With João Félix

One of the more intriguing elements of this situation is the presence of João Félix, currently on loan at Milan. The Italian side are reportedly keen to keep him permanently but may struggle to afford Chelsea’s financial demands.

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That opens up the possibility of a swap deal, with Chelsea using Félix as leverage to finally land Leão. Given Milan’s apparent lack of faith in their winger and their interest in Félix, the pieces for an agreement seem to be aligning.

What Would Leão Bring to Chelsea?

Leão’s blend of speed, directness, and dribbling ability would add something Chelsea currently lack in attack. Reece James, a respected figure at Stamford Bridge, has previously named Leão as one of his toughest opponents, reinforcing the idea that his arrival could elevate the team’s attacking output.

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Yet, Chelsea must also consider whether they are chasing an idea rather than a guaranteed solution. Leão is gifted but not without flaws. If Milan, a club that nurtured his growth, now doubts his ceiling, Chelsea must be sure they are investing in the player he can become rather than just the reputation he carries.

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For years, he has been a name linked with the club, always just out of reach. Now, with Milan’s stance shifting, this could be the best opportunity yet to make it happen.

£66 million for a player of Leão’s potential is a bargain in today’s market. He is still only 25 years old, with plenty of time to refine his game and reach his peak. Unlike some of Chelsea’s other attacking options, he possesses the ability to break open defences on his own—something the club has sorely lacked since the departure of Eden Hazard.

However, there is a question of whether Chelsea are looking at the right problem. A winger may be needed, but so is a prolific striker. If Leão arrives, he must be part of a wider recruitment strategy rather than a marquee signing that papers over deeper squad issues.

The possible João Félix swap deal also makes sense. Félix has never fully convinced at Chelsea, and if Milan sees him as a long-term asset, this could be a rare win-win situation in modern transfers.

Ultimately, this deal comes down to execution. If Chelsea moves swiftly, they may finally secure a long-time target without overpaying. The opportunity is there—now it’s up to them to take it.