Chelsea now ‘frontrunners’ to sign £86m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are hopeful of luring Rafael Leao to Stamford Bridge as they have emerged as the ‘frontrunners’ if AC Milan are willing to sanction his departure, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

Having been appointed as the Blues’ head coach in September, Graham Potter will be handed an opportunity to freshen up his squad during the January window.

Chelsea appear to have received a boost in their pursuit of Leao as, according to reports he is unwilling to pen a contract extension at AC Milan after they have failed to meet his demands.

The report suggests the winger is seeking a deal worth more than £6million-per-year and the impasse has put the Blues, along with Real Madrid and Manchester City, on red alert.

AC Milan are desperate to tie Leao down to fresh terms as he is set to enter the final 18 months of his current agreement, which is worth £28,000-per-week, at the turn of the year.

Calciomercato have revealed that the Serie A giants are willing to sell the 23-year-old for £86million if he has not put pen-to-paper by the time the winter transfer window opens for business next month.

Leao’s ‘head has been turned’ by Chelsea’s interest and, as a result, he has been keen to hold off committing his long-term future to AC Milan.