Chelsea are reportedly monitoring any developments with the future of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
The Blues have gone through 2021-22 well stocked for options in the final third, helped by Romelu Lukaku joining from Inter Milan in a club-record deal last summer.
However, the Belgian was one of several attack-minded players to under-perform in the final third, head coach Thomas Tuchel frequently acknowledging that Chelsea were not ruthless enough in that area of the pitch.
The Premier League giants are currently in the process of trying to negotiate an exit for Lukaku, who is keen to rejoin his former club as soon as possible.
Furthermore, Chelsea are said to be open to offers for the likes of Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner at the start of a new era under a consortium led by Todd Boehly.
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According to 90 min, the West London outfit have identified Leao as a potential replacement for any one of the players who may be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old has just enjoyed the best season of his career, contributing 11 goals and eight assists to help Milan end a prolonged wait for another Serie A crown.
However, while there have been times when Milan may have had to prioritise balancing the books, they are now under new ownership who want to continue to establish the side as the best in Italy.
Even with Leao possessing just two years remaining on his contract, Milan are unlikely to contemplate a sale for any price this summer, a feeling which has already been revealed by technical director Paolo Maldini.
Last week, the club legend told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Is Leao unsellable? Of course, he is a diamond that is still in the rough, who has shown great improvements from one year to the next."
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Milan are allegedly prepared to hand Leao a new deal with a significant pay rise, a move designed to discourage Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain as well as Chelsea.
Manchester City and Real Madrid have also emerged as potential suitors at one stage or another in recent weeks, Leao now regarded as one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
A long-term injury to Zlatan Ibrahmovic may see Leao being deployed down the centre of the attack on occasions next season, as well as in a wide position.
Milan are also said to be on the brink of signing Liverpool forward Divock Origi on a free transfer.
Darren Plant
