Chelsea not pursuing Leao as Turkey and Saudi options loom for Milan forward
Quick summary
Chelsea are not pursuing AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, with Turkish and Saudi Arabian clubs emerging as potential destinations for the Portuguese star.
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Attributed to original sourceRafael Leao remains for sale at Milan, but social media influencer Fabrizio Romano has dismissed suggestions that Chelsea are poised to make a move.
According to Romano, via MilanNews , a link with the Blues emerged during the day but does not reflect reality, with Chelsea not working on a deal for the Portuguese.
He points out that they have already signed a player in that area of the pitch in Morgan Rogers, and while Leao could theoretically fill a number 10 role, the London club are not pursuing him.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Turkey lead the way as Milan await Leao resolution What is not in doubt, Romano reports, is that Milan consider Leao available and are prepared to sell.
The only concrete, written proposals so far have arrived from Turkey , while interest from Saudi Arabia is at an earlier stage, with movement beginning as clubs there weigh up offers.
The player’s own hope is that a chance emerges from the Premier League, La Liga or another elite division, allowing him to test himself in a top European league.
The outcome carries weight beyond the player, with Romano noting that his exit is fundamental to funding Milan’s own incomings, a resolution the Rossoneri hope to reach in the coming days.
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What happened
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is unlikely to make a move to Chelsea, with the Premier League club stepping back from any interest. Instead, clubs from the Turkish Süper Lig and Saudi Pro League are reportedly positioning themselves as realistic destinations. Leao, a key attacking asset for Milan, has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent windows. The reported lack of Premier League interest narrows the field and could accelerate negotiations with non-European elite leagues.
Chance analysis
Losing Leao would significantly weaken Milan's attacking line, but the absence of a Premier League suitor like Chelsea reduces the financial windfall Milan might expect. Interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia suggests a likely exit on Milan's terms, potentially with a replacement signing. For Chelsea, the decision to walk away signals a shift in transfer priorities, freeing resources for alternative targets.
Leao's potential departure would be a significant attacking loss for AC Milan, while Chelsea face no impact from their withdrawal.
Chelsea ruled out, so Leao's exit likely lowers Milan attacking output; expect Milan to seek a replacement if a sale materializes.