---
title: "Chelsea: Blues now ‘the frontrunners’ to sign Rafael Leao"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-chelsea-dean-jones-rafael-leao-update-latest-transfer-rumours/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2022-12-15T06:05:53Z"
modified: "2022-12-15T06:05:53Z"
---

# Chelsea: Blues now ‘the frontrunners’ to sign Rafael Leao

**[Chelsea](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/chelsea-fc-news/) have emerged as frontrunners to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to journalist Dean Jones.**

### The Lowdown: Leao shines…

The Portugal international forward, who featured for his nation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has been the subject of intense interest from [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) clubs heading into January.

Leao is said to be a [target for the likes of Man City](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-city-news/premier-league-man-city-rafael-leao-transfer-update/) amid his brilliant form for Milan in Serie A, where he has bagged six goals and four assists in 12 league starts this season ([WhoScored).](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/80/Show/Italy-AC-Milan)

The 23-year-old is also their best-performing player by average match rating, leaving little wonder Chelsea boss Graham Potter is reportedly keeping tabs.

### The Latest: Jones shares promising Leao to Chelsea update…

Speaking to [GIVEMESPORT](https://www.givemesport.com/88094536-chelsea-transfer-news-frontrunners-sign-star-stamford-bridge), reporter Jones claims there is a real hope at Stamford Bridge they can sign Leao and Potter’s side are the main frontrunners.

He explained:

*“Chelsea have great interest in Leao and there is some hope over landing him, especially after he briefly followed them on social media the other day!*

*“But Milan are so desperate not to lose him right now because replacing him will be hard.*

*“Chelsea are the frontrunners, though, if this opens up. We will have to see how this goes over the next couple of weeks.”*

### The Verdict: Real talent…

The Serie A star could well be one to watch heading into January and Chelsea owner Todd Boehly seems set to back Potter in the transfer market.

Called ‘[absolutely unplayable](https://twitter.com/SiavoushF/status/1523391492810629120)‘ by members of the media, Leao could undoubtedly strengthen the west London side in their bid to become a real top flight force again.