Chelsea officially make contact with €175m superstar

Chelsea have made a formal enquiry into the availability of Rafael Leao, according to Italian media.

The AC Milan star remains highly rated despite his hugely disappointing campaign to date. The Rossoneri as a club are in the midst of turmoil and there is increasing talk that they could sack their second head coach of the season, Sergio Conceicao.

Leao and teammate Theo Hernandez have prominently been singled out for criticism over the course of the campaign as performance levels have massively dropped off compared to previous years. Moreover, both had a tense relationship with Conceicao’s predecessor Paulo Fonseca.

READ MORE: Chelsea complete €14m signing

There is a growing sense in Italy that a change of scenery may be in order for the two to get back to their previous best and Leao, in particular, will have no shortage of suitors.

Chelsea have a long-standing interest in the Portuguese and there were hopes that a potential ‘swap’ deal with Joao Felix may be possible. Both players are represented by Jorge Mendes, but Milan’s interest in keeping the Blues loanee is rapidly cooling in light of his underwhelming recent performances.

Chelsea enquire about Leao

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Felix, Chelsea remain hopeful that their existing relationship with Milan and Mendes could make a summer deal for Leao possible.

At least that is according to Calciomercato, which reports that Chelsea have now formally enquired into the availability of Leao. The outlet claims that the Blues are convinced that the 25-year-old can still be one of the world’s best when he is on form despite his poor season.

READ MORE: Why Liam Delap is Chelsea’s PERFECT striker

Chelsea are ‘surveying’ the winger market after failing to land Alejandro Garnacho in January and remain huge admirers of Leao. Chelsea sniff a potential opportunity as they know that Milan won’t be able to insist on the club’s paying his huge €175 million release clause.

Leao has become ‘less unsellable than usual’ for the Rossoneri, although the report acknowledges that talks over a potential deal are still ’embryonic’ at this stage.