According to a report in the Express, Chelsea have identified AC Milan forward Rafael Leao as a potential replacement for Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The report suggests that Chelsea had targeted the 23-year-old Portuguese forward in the January transfer window, but were unable to sign him due to his £130m release clause at the time. Despite this, Chelsea may still pursue a move for Leao in the summer transfer window, despite the fact that he recently signed a new and improved five-year deal with AC Milan. The new deal reportedly includes a release clause of around £152m, making any potential move for Leao a costly one for Chelsea.
Mudryk fails to hit the mark
There have been suggestions that a move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could land Mykhaylo Mudryk in trouble, as the Ukrainian striker has failed to make an impact since joining Chelsea in January and was even left out of the starting XI for their recent 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. However, a report from The Athletic suggests that if Chelsea were to sign Leao, it would be to play him as a central striker rather thanChristian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech in exchange for Leao, but the proposed deal fell through, and both players remain at Stamford Bridge with uncertain futures.
In the meantime, Frank Lampard is currently serving as interim coach for Chelsea, but it is widely expected that Mauricio Pochettino will take over as the club’s permanent boss ahead of the next campaign. According to reports, Pochettino has agreed to terms with Chelsea, and the deal is now just awaiting finalization.