Chelsea are working on a deal to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao but face an obstacle over the move, according to reports.
The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the Portuguese international this summer, following the departures of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech could all still leave the club, with Chelsea in need of attacking reinforcements.
Advert
None of the Blues’ front three have scored in the first three matches of the season, leaving Tuchel looking for further additions in attack.
Speaking after Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Leeds United, the German hinted at further reinforcing his squad this summer. He admitted: "I don't know. We need to wait.
“The transfer period is still open. It gets later and later, and we need to focus on what we have and what we can do.
Advert
"We can obviously play at a high level, but we lost track when there was no need. We were not forced to lose track.
“Everything was going well.
"We can win with this team in Leeds, everything was going well, and we had goalscoring opportunities. "It went the other way, and I think it was more our fault than anyone else's credit."
Anthony Gordon of Everton has been linked, with it believed that Chelsea are confident of signing him this week.
Advert
A bid of £45 million was rejected by the Toffees as Chelsae up their attempts to bring in attackers.
This has led to conversations over AC Milan’s Leao, if reports are to be believed.
As reported by The Times, Chelsea are working on a deal for the forward.
Leao is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League after negotiations took place over the weekend.
Advert
These have also seen the possibility of Milan taking one or more Chelsea players in any deal.
However, there is an obstacle over the move as the Blues are being asked to structure the transfer in such a manner that Rafael Leao is relinquished of a substantial CAS-imposed fine he owes to former club Sporting.
The total debt is now understood to amount to £16 million, with 25% of the player's salary being held by the court each month.
Advert
Furthermore, Leao’s representatives are that it would be in his next club’s sporting interest to eliminate his disquiet over the fine as soon as he signs for them.
It has since been reported by Matteo Moretto that Chelsea asked about Leao.
However, they have been pointed to his release clause of €150 million, as negotiations are ongoing.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, AC Milan, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms