Chelsea Eyes £150m Rafael Leao Transfer with New FFP Strategy
Chelsea’s Transfer News: Rafael Leao Opportunity Unveiled This Week
In recent years, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic, and Fikayo Tomori have all transitioned from Chelsea to AC Milan, showcasing the positive transfer relations between the two clubs. Now, Milan is considering another dual acquisition.
Potential AC Milan Transfers
Romelu Lukaku and Carney Chukwuemeka, despite being at different stages of their Chelsea journeys, are rumored to be on AC Milan’s radar. Reports indicate both could be involved in a joint move to the Serie A club.
Lukaku: A return to Italy seems fitting, given his stints at AS Roma and Inter.
Chukwuemeka: Although he joined Chelsea in 2022 from Aston Villa and has a £40m release clause, Chelsea has no current plans to let him leave.
Financial Implications
Lukaku’s departure is more likely, with Milan having inquired about a summer transfer. The combined fee for Chukwuemeka and Lukaku could be £78m if Milan activates their respective release clauses.
Chelsea’s Strategy Under Financial Fair Play Rules
Chelsea must navigate the transfer window smartly due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Five new players have joined this summer, but Chelsea has a short window this week to sign Rafael Leao.
The Rafael Leao Clause
According to Footmercato (via Football Italia), Leao’s release clause is set at €175m (£148.2m), making him Chelsea’s priciest signing if activated. This clause, payable in installments, eases the financial burden on Chelsea.
Time Constraints and Competitors
The release clause can only be triggered between July 5 and July 15 annually until June 2028, giving Chelsea a narrow 10-day window to act or negotiate directly with Milan. Paris Saint-Germain is also interested in Leao to replace Kylian Mbappe. However, Milan’s interest in Lukaku and Chukwuemeka could facilitate negotiations and another successful deal between the clubs.
