Chelsea have new competitor in their bid to land Rafael Leao as their fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool have entered the arena to try and lure the Milan winger to Anfield, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport. Liverpool are enduring a tough season so far, despite signing some good players in the summer transfer window. Their headline acquisition was Benfica striker Darwin Nunez who was also the club’s record signing for £85 million, alongside Fabio Carvalho, Calvin Ramsay and Arthur Melo [on loan].
However, the Reds are still lacking some serious firepower upfront despite adding Nunez to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino. As evident, Liverpool are struggling to fill in the void left by Sadio Mane who left for Bayern Munich this summer. Leao has now emerged as a target for them as the winger too is open to a move away from San Siro next summer.
Liverpool want Rafael Leao after long-term injuries to Diaz, Jota
A Liverpool team plagued with injuries also has contributed to their dismal start to the season where they just have 4 wins in 10 league games. Several important players in Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, Bobby Firmino, Ibrahima Konate have recovered after picking knocks, while Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Melo are still sidelined. Furthermore, the injury crisis in Klopp’s team went from bad to worse after wingers Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota became fresh victims of long term injuries.
Diaz sustained a knee injury during the 3-2 loss against Arsenal, which ended his 2022. The Colombian is set to return in 2023, as he will also miss the FIFA World Cup which will be held next month. On the other hand, Jota suffered a calf injury against Manchester City as he had to be stretchered-off from the field. While Klopp later confirmed the 25-year-old won’t need a surgery, he will however require a lengthy spell on the sidelines for the recovery which means he too is ruled out of the World Cup with Portugal.
Amidst such a tight situation, Liverpool need a new winger as Rafael Leao has impressed the club after he has continued his stellar exploits from last season. The Portuguese amassed 14 goals and 12 assists in 42 games in all competitions, also leading Milan to their first Serie A title after a decade. And before being touted as a ‘one season wonder’, Leao started this season with a bang, racking up 12 goal contributions [4 goals and 8 assists] in 13 appearances in all competitions.
No wonder Liverpool have set their sights on him, but will have to fend-off stern competition from Chelsea. The Blues were the first ones to register their interest in the winger, even holding talks with his entourage over this summer. However, in the end Milan succeeded in keeping Leao as they are planning to reward him with a new contract. But their technical director Paolo Maldini as admitted recently that it will be difficult to keep hold of the 23-year-old if the Blues, or any other suitor comes calling next summer.
Leao’s current deal with the Rossoneris expires in two years, as he too is open to a move abroad with firm interest from the Premier League. Chelsea are determined to return next year for the talented winger, as they are ready to put a suitable offer on the table, for both the player as well as Milan. Liverpool will certainly have to do one better if they are to entice Rafael Leao to Anfield and hijack the Blues’ potential deal. Moreover, the Reds need a winger now more than ever given the absence of Jota and Diaz.