Chelsea have been dealt a major blow in their bid to sign one reported target.
Chelsea are interested in signing AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, according to HITC.
However, the 24-year-old has told Corriere della Sera that his head is at Milan and that he owes the club so much.
It means Chelsea may now have to look elsewhere if they still want to strengthen their attack.
Leao was asked to make a world XI not too long ago and named Thiago Silva in it.
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Rafael Leao does not want to leave AC Milan despite Chelsea interest
Leao has warned Chelsea and other potential suitors that he plans to remain at Milan.
“My future is at Milan,” the Portuguese attacker said. “I’m here and I still have a four-year contract. Milan helped me when I was in a very difficult situation, they stayed close to me.
“I don’t forget. I’m loyal. I arrived as a boy, here I grew up as a man and as a footballer. I want to win again, my head is here.”
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Chelsea should still try to sign Rafael Leao
If the Blues want to bring in a new attacker in the summer, then they should still target Leao. He is certainly worth the effort.
Leao is a versatile forward who can play up front and on the wing. His numbers were really good in Serie A last season as well, with the Portugal international scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 35 appearances.
What his manager Stefano Pioli probably really appreciates about him, though, is the way he can get past other players.
For example, this season, Leao is averaging two dribbles per league game, the most in his squad (WhoScored).
Leao is pretty much the complete attacker. Therefore, Chelsea should not give up on the former Lille and Sporting Lisbon man. His public stance seems pretty clear, but there is no reason why Chelsea should throw in the towel so soon.
