Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has heaped praise on AC Milan forward and Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao.
The Blues comfortably beat their Italian rivals on Wednesday to record their first Champions League win of the season. Aubameyang was on the scoresheet as his side powered to a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
While I Rossoneri endured a frustrating evening in the English capital, one man who impressed Aubameyang is 23-year-old Leao. The Portugal international has enjoyed a string of impressive outings, producing six assists in his last eight games.
Leao arrived at the San Siro back in 2019 following a £30million move from French side Lille OSC.
The forward has since gone on to make 125 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 31 goals along the way. Three of those goals came in the last six games, including a double in a recent 3-2 derby victory over Inter.
Leao also played a pivotal role last season as the club powered to the Serie A title. The Portuguese forward was rewarded by scooping up the league’s MVP prize.
Rafael Leao is ‘truly impressive’
One high-profile fan of Leao is current Chelsea forward Aubameyang. Speaking after Wednesday’s Champions League clash, the Blues goalscorer was asked about his counterpart.
Aubameyang told TuttoMercatoWeb (as quoted by Milan News): “He is an incredible player, truly impressive.
“He is very fast, powerful, he can make the difference at any time. Nothing else to say except that he is unbelievable.”
Chelsea reportedly tried to sign Leao over the summer, though their deadline day approach was pushed back.
The bid, which was worth between £69million and £79million, did not meet AC Milan’s asking price.
The Italian side are understood to be looking at around £130million which is a figure in the left winger’s release clause.
At the same time, Milan technical director is said to be pushing for a new contract as the Italian champions look to keep hold of their star forward.
Chelsea boss is a fan of Leao
Chelsea manager Graham Potter is said to be a big admirer of Leao.
Speaking in a recent press conference, the new Blues boss said: “I am really surprised in a positive way by what he has done, he makes a difference in attack with goals and assists. Congratulations, he is a top player.
“Then what he will be in the future I don’t know but he is playing really well with Milan. He has the skills and the talent of being able to play well in the Premier League too.”
Chelsea already boast a number of top-quality attackers in their squad. However, with the likes Christian Pulisic potentially on their way out, the Blues may need reinforcements.
Whether Leao is worth £130million is a question Chelsea will have to answer as the next transfer window comes into view.
Should the player extend his stay at the San Siro, it may be a long time before they have another opportunity to being the Portuguese star to London.
