Chelsea now facing new ‘problem’ in bid to sign Rafael Leao

Chelsea will find it difficult to lure Rafael Leao to Stamford Bridge as there is a ‘big chance’ that the AC Milan star’s value and status will soar during the World Cup, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The winger has been included in the Portugal squad for the tournament, which gets underway in Qatar later this week.

What’s the latest news involving Leao?

According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan have struggled to tie Leao down to a new contract and are unwilling to meet the demands of his representatives.

The report suggests the Serie A giants will continue to hold discussions over fresh terms and, amid uncertainty over the 11-cap Portugal international’s future, will not accept offers worth less than £88million when the transfer window reopens in January.

It is understood that Leao will enter the final 18 months of his current agreement, which includes a £132million release clause, at the turn of the year.

Chelsea are reportedly looking to pounce during the early stages of 2023 and Graham Potter’s side are preparing a bid, although Manchester City are also showing an interest.

Leao has worked his way onto Manchester United’s radar as well, with the Red Devils sending scouts to watch him in action twice last month.

Read more: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More

What has Dean Jones said about Leao?

Jones believes Chelsea may have made a mistake by failing to sign Leao during the summer as he could gain even more admirers and increase his price tag at the World Cup.

The journalist understands that the Blues have been keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old’s progress for a sustained period.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “The problem here is that they’ve already done all their scouting on Rafael Leao.

“They know what a good player he is and they know he’s had his breakthrough to becoming a superstar, but they haven’t actually signed him.

“Now, he goes to the World Cup and there’s a big chance that his value and status grows during this tournament.”

Will Leao be a success at the World Cup?

Portugal are set to go head-to-head with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H, so Leao will face a difficult challenge in Qatar.

But he will catch the eye if he turns in performances like he has been in an AC Milan shirt this season, having registered 16 goal contributions in 20 outings.

Leao is the Italian giants’ top scorer in Serie A, while he also leads the way for assists and boasts a better average match rating than any of his team-mates.

He is heading to the World Cup having found the back of the net every 168 minutes in domestic action, while he has also created five big chances, so there is no doubt that he will make Portugal a force as they go for glory.

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