Paolo Maldini has revealed that AC Milan rejected a Chelsea approach for Rafael Leao during the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The Blues were in the market for new attacking signings for the current campaign.
Romelu Lukaku moved back to Inter Milan on loan at the start of the window, with Timo Werner returning to RB Leipzig on a permanent deal.
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Soon enough, Chelsea signed Raheem Sterling from Manchester City as their first arrival of the summer, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining on Deadline Day from Barcelona.
Leao was revealed to be a target for the west London side, but he has remained at the San Siro for the season.
According to 90min, their director and club legend Maldini spoke to Sky Italia and revealed that Chelsea made an approach for the 23-year-old.
He said: “An official offer from Chelsea never arrived, but on an informal level it did. Of course, it was refused.”
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Milan are aware that Chelsea remain interested in the Portuguese international and as a result, they are keen to award him a new contract ahead of the January transfer window.
Such talks are believed to have already commenced.
During the summer, Milan insisted that if a club wanted to buy Leao, they would have to pay his release clause, which is said to be €150 million.
The attacker has started the season in impressive fashion, having scored three goals and provided six assists in eight games across all competitions.
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His efforts up front would certainly have helped the Blues this season, who are still struggling to score goals.
Chelsea’s Champions League tie against FC Salzburg on Wednesday night ended in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling opened the scoring at the start of the second half, only for Noah Okafor to equalise later on in the match.
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Graham Potter, who was on the touchline for the first time since being named as the new Chelsea boss, says his side need to respond as they sit bottom of Group E.
"It's not the position we want to be in but we have to respond, it's as simple as that. It's a tough group but there's enough quality in the squad and we have to respond to those two games.
"We know we have to win and be competitive. We are at the start of a process together as staff and players.
"I can only comment on the response we had and I am looking forward to working and make this team competitive and one supporters are proud of."
Topics: Chelsea, AC Milan, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Robert Calcutt