Chelsea handed Rafael Leao big boost with AC Milan star 'not wanting to extend' contract

Chelsea have received a major boost in their pursuit of AC Milan star Rafael Leao after the striker has reportedly turned down a contract extension offer at the club. The Blues saw a bid rejected for the winger over the summer but are expected to reignite their interest in January.

After replacing Thomas Tuchel in the Stamford Bridge dugout, Graham Potter should be well supported throughout the upcoming transfer windows. The former Swansea boss is expected to push for Chelsea to pursue some of the brightest young talents in world football with the aim of creating a team capable of competing for trophies for many years to come.

The midfield is a concern for Potter given that N'Golo Kante and Jorginho are both out of contract at the end of the season. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are among those seen as ideal replacements.

While Potter is unhappy with his options in the final third, it appears he remains keen for the Blues to pick up where they left off in the summer and push to sign Leao. And, according to the transfer expert, their hopes of achieving this have been boosted as the player is unwilling to extend his contract with Milan.

He tweeted on Monday: "Excl news Leao. At this stage he doesn't want to extend beyond 2024. Not confident with offer. Chelsea, City, Real in. Had talks about him at Qatar. Milan refused Chelsea's offer (€70m). They want €150m. The amount of the release clause."

The Serie A side appear to have decided to stick to their guns and only allow Leao to leave the club if his £128million release clause is met. This figure is more than double the amount Chelsea were willing to pay for the striker this summer, when they saw a £60million bid rejected.