Journalist claims Chelsea are ready to spend big on Spurs-linked attacker 

Journalist Simon Phillips has revealed that Chelsea could make a substantial offer for rumoured Tottenham target Rafael Leao in January.

Leao has arguably been the standout attacker in Italian football over the last 18 months, and even though he was used primarily as an impact substitute for Portugal at the World Cup, the forward still showed his quality, netting twice in Qatar (Transfermarkt).

Over the last several weeks, reports have indicated that Spurs, Manchester City and Chelsea are all eyeing Leao as an option ahead of the January transfer window (CalcioMercato.it) while Barcelona are also said to be admirers of the player (Relevo journalist Toni Juanmarti).

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport two weeks ago, Leao insisted that he is in no hurry to leave the San Siro and confirmed that he will hold talks with Milan to renew his current deal, which runs out in the summer of 2024.

Phillips has now said that Milan director Paolo Maldini is pushing hard to tie Leoa down to a new contract but revealed that Chelsea have informed the player’s entourage that they are ready to make a big offer.

The journalist told GiveMeSport about the Portugal international: “Maldini is pushing hard to try and get him to extend at Milan. They’re pretty confident that he will extend, but Chelsea are still there waiting in the background to see what the situation is going to be there.

“They’ve let his people know that they’re ready to pay big to buy him in the summer. So he’s definitely an attacking target for Chelsea, as well as Nkunku.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Leao is a fantastic talent but he does not fit the profile that Spurs need as he is quite similar to both Son and Richarlison, being more effective on the left and through the middle than on the right. I believe Conte will want an attacker who is ideally suited to playing on the right in January.

Related Topics