{"id":2186,"date":"2026-08-25T16:23:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:23:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2186"},"modified":"2026-08-25T16:23:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T16:23:10","slug":"if-reports-are-true-rafael-leao-could-be-about-to-cost-chelsea-a-massive-43m","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2186","title":{"rendered":"If reports are true, Rafael Leao could be about to cost Chelsea a massive \u00a343m"},"content":{"rendered":"


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At one stage this summer, it looked as if Chelsea might have signed Rafael Leao from AC Milan. But it looks as if the Portugal star will join a Premier League rival instead.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of Milan\u2019s modern-day legends, Leao<\/a> has struggled over the last 12 months. The winger was even booed by supporters towards the end of last season as Milan missed out on the Champions League.<\/p>\n

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DISCUSS: Jarrod Bowen is a better signing than Rafael Leao\u2026<\/h3>\n

Chelsea have been linked with both this summer.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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On World Cup duty, Leao insisted he wanted to leave Milan<\/a> and play football in a new country. Now, it looks as if that will be the Premier League, though Chelsea were strongly linked with Leao<\/a> at one point.<\/p>\n

Now, in a twist synonymous with the transfer window, Leao could end up costing Chelsea<\/a> a massive sum, and it is because of the club he looks set to join. Gianluca Di Marzio<\/a> says talks with Villa are advanced.<\/p>\n

Why Rafael Leao might end up costing Chelsea a huge fee<\/h2>\n

Predominantly a left winger, Leao is considered one of the best in his position when he\u2019s at the top of his game. It will be interesting to see if Unai Emery can get the best out of Leao again, in claret and blue.<\/p>\n

Emery has a track record for signing underperforming players below their highest value and restoring their form. Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford, Victor Lindelof and more joined while underperforming.<\/p>\n

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Leao will hope Emery can replicate that, but Alejandro Garnacho won\u2019t. The Argentine joined Villa on loan with a conditional obligation \u2013 an obligation, worth \u00a343m<\/a>, that many reported would be easy to activate.<\/p>\n

The signing of Leao could complicate that. Last season, Harvey Elliott was shunned by Emery after joining on loan from Liverpool, and the same could quite easily happen with Garnacho, especially if Leao signs.<\/p>\n

Chelsea took a gamble, and it might blow up in their face<\/h2>\n

Chelsea were always confident they would get a good fee for Garnacho, one that would allow them to cancel out the \u00a340m they spent last summer. It came as a surprise when Villa agreed a \u00a343m clause.<\/p>\n

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Sorry, but there are WORSE players than Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea who aren\u2019t being pushed out of the club<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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But as is the way with all selling clubs and agreeing to loans with options included, it is a risk. There is every chance that Garnacho fails to perform, or struggles with injury and the loan club do not buy him.<\/p>\n

If the clause is easily met, then the chances are it is based around appearances. But if Villa do not want to sign him, the Elliott case proves Emery is willing to block a player out. Leao\u2019s arrival makes it harder.<\/p>\n

Instantly, Garnacho\u2019s game time reduces with Leao on board, and ultimately, it could cost Chelsea a \u00a343m fee next summer. One to watch, but if Leao does join, then it is bad news for Chelsea and Garnacho.<\/p>\n

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