Chelsea are in talks to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline, according to report

Leao – who joined AC Milan from French side Lille in 2019 – scored 14 goals in all competitions during the 2021-2022 campaign and helped the giants win their first league title since 2011.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are in need of further attacking reinforcements and that was apparent in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Southampton.

According to the Times, Chelsea have opened talks with Milan for Leao after being told a deal for PSG forward Neymar is not possible.

The west London side were led to believe the Brazilian star is available but PSG want to keep him despite his reported tensions with Kylian Mbappe.

Leao won Serie A’s Most Valuable Player award last season, following in the footsteps of previous winners including Romelu Lukaku, Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 23-year-old, who is primarily a left winger, can play across the frontline and his versatility is likely to suit what Tuchel is after.

Leao is currently under contract at San Siro until 2024 and Milan will be reluctant to lose him late in the window.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also set to further boost their midfield with the signing of Russian star Arsen Zakharyan from Dynamo Moscow.

The Blues are set to trigger the 19-year-old’s £12.6million release clause and bring one of Russia’s most talented young players to West London.

Zakharyan scored nine goals and registered nine assists in 34 appearances for Dynamo last season, and has already been linked with a number of high-profile clubs.

His signing would further mark the Chelsea’s policy of signing highly-rated young player after already securing the likes of Omari Hutchinson, Gabriel Slonina and Carney Chukwuemeka this summer.

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