Super agent Jorge Mendes has offered Cristiano Ronaldo to AC Milan in an attempt to allow Rafael Leao to move to Chelsea, according to reports in Italy.
The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for AC Milan’s Portuguese star after Leao was voted as the Most Valuable Player in Serie A last season.
Scoring 14 times in 42 matches in all competitions last season, Leao also registered 12 assists as his side won the Serie A title.
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This has led to interest from across Europe, with Chelsea the latest club to eye up a bid for the 23-year-old.
The Blues made an enquiry about signing Leao towards the end of the transfer window, but have been told that they must pay his €150 million release clause to stand any chance in bringing the forward to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are in the market for forwards following the departures of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku, while Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have all been linked with moves away.
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Bids for Anthony Gordon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been submitted this summer, but neither player has completed a move to Chelsea despite this intent.
Ronaldo himself was also linked with a move to Stamford Bridge earlier in the season, with Chelsea chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly meeting with Mendes earlier in the summer.
However, the potential signing of Ronaldo has not been explored further, with it now reported that he could have been the key to unlocking Leao to Chelsea.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Mendes offered Ronaldo to AC Milan in an attempt to unlock Leao's move to Chelsea this summer.
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However, this has not changed AC Milan's mind, with the Serie A side hoping to tie Leao down to a new deal at the San Siro.
Chelsea may reignite their interest in the 23-year-old next summer, with Tuchel looking to rebuild his attack in the long-term.
Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United remains in doubt, with it clear that the forward wants to play Champions League football this season.
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The Blues have been linked with a move for the forward, but with time running our in the transfer window it remains to be seen as to where he will play his football next season.
Chelsea are still in the market for goalscorers this summer, with less than a week left to sign players.
The Blues are thought to be closing in on a move for Aubameyang, with Tuchel keen to reunite with his former player.
The 33-year-old could still be joined by Everton’s Gordon as Chelsea look to challenge at the top of the Premier League once more.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, AC Milan, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms