Shock Premier League club 'makes contact' with Rafael Leao and it'd be one of their biggest transfers in years

A Premier League club have shown interest in highly-rated AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, according to reports from an Italian journalist.

Leao, 25, has been the subject of transfer speculation for some time, having impressed fans since he joined AC Milan from Lille back in 2019.

The Portugal international has registered ten goals and seven assists this season, taking his overall tally for the Rossoneri to 120 goal contributions in 247 appearances.

However, from a collective point of view, Milan have struggled this season and currently sit eighth in Serie A after a run of poor results of late.

To add to the negative feeling surrounding the club in recent months, Sergio Conceição’s side dropped out of this year’s Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate defeat against Feyenoord in February.

Losing Leao would be disastrous, but it is a realistic prospect if Milan fail to qualify for next year’s Champions League.

And according to Italian journalist Daniele Longo, Chelsea have ‘made contact’ regarding a potential move for Leao.

The winger is represented by Jorge Mendes - also Joao Felix’s agent – and this connection could prove vital if a deal is to be agreed.

The 25-year-old’s current Milan contract is set to run until the summer of 2028, and he is valued at €75m (£61.9m) by Transfermarkt.

However, several reports have suggested that the player’s release clause could be as much as €175m (£144.4m).

Rafael Leao is one of AC Milan's best players (Credit:Getty)

Leao previously spoke about how he wants to play in the Premier League.

“I think every player wants to play in the Premier League because it’s a very competitive league," Leao told Gaffer in 2023. "It has engaging football, great teams and a worldwide audience.

"Serie A is currently very well positioned in the football world but I would definitely have to say the Premier League in the future."

“Football-wise, my goal is to win the Champions League and a Ballon d’Or," he added. "As an artist, I personally don’t think about it too much, I go with the flow.

"As an individual, I think about making my label one of the biggest household names in the music world.”