Chelsea are ready to renew their interest in Rafael Leao, but reports indicate that Manchester City are also keen on the Brazilian.
The Blues seen as a swoop for AC Milan (opens in a new tab) star in the last days of the summer transfer window, but he finally stayed put.
But despite Thomas Tuchel leaving the club earlier this month, Chelsea (opens in a new tab) remains attached to Leao.
The left-sided striker was voted Serie A’s most valuable player last season as he helped Milan win their first title in over a decade.
Leao is under contract until 2024 and the Rossoneri won’t want to lose one of their star players midway through the season, but Chelsea are hoping he’ll be interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.
However, The Gazzetta dello Sport (opens in a new tab) reports that the Blues are no longer the only Premier League club for Leao.
Manchester City (opens in a new tab) are also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, who has already scored three goals and provided three assists so far this season.
The Premier League champions are hoping to capitalize on a contractual stalemate between Leao and Milan, with the Italian giants unwilling to meet his wage demands.
City are reportedly assessing a cash-plus-players offer for the former Lille star, who is valued at £100million by his current employers.
It’s unclear if Chelsea would be willing to pay triple for a player with little Champions League experience, so they could also consider offering fringe members of their squad as heavyweights.
It could even take more than £100m for Milan to consider cashing in on Leao halfway through the 2022/23 campaign.
Chelsea return to Premier League with trip to Crystal Palace (opens in a new tab) next weekend as Graham Potter prepares to take charge of his first top-flight game as Blues boss.
City, meanwhile, will renew hostilities with local rivals Manchester United (opens in a new tab) at the Etihad Stadium.
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