Chelsea have reportedly picked AC Milan forward Rafael Leao and Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry, as backups for Leeds star Raphinha. The 25-year-old Brazilian appears certain to pass on the Blues in favor of a dream move to Barcelona.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is already looking at a variety of options to strengthen his attack along with the expected signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City.
According to multiple reports, Chelsea are considering grabbing the signatures of German star Gnabry and Portuguese winger Leao this summer.
With his contract entering its final year, Gnabry is facing an uncertain future. Sun Sports has exclusively revealed that Manchester United and City are also interested in signing him.
Additionally, it is said that his former team, Arsenal are also keeping an eye on his status at the Allianz Arena.
While Gnabry is reportedly available for roughly £35 million, the Guardian has reported that Milan would demand almost triple that for Leao. The 23-year-old contributed 11 goals and ten assists in 34 Serie A games to help the Rosonneri win their first Scudetto since 2011 last season.
With two years still to run on his deal at the San Siro, it has been reported that his representatives are asking for at least £100 million to get rid of him. While Chelsea could avoid signing him because of his transfer fees, their move for Serge Gnabry is unlikely because the German is ready to snub them.
A reporter from Sky Sports Germany, Florian Plettenberg, had said that the ex-West Brom loanee wouldn’t entertain a move to Chelsea out of his loyalty to their neighbors Arsenal. He tweeted: “Update Gnabry: We have often been told that a move to Chelsea is NO topic for Serge due to his time at Arsenal. Gnabry decision in Munich soon.”
Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has also reacted to the news last month. Hasan Salihamidzic said that the German Bundesliga champions really want to keep Serge Gnabry and are ready to extend his contract with the club. He believes that they have shown him the necessary appreciation as he hopes that the winger will still choose FC Bayern Munich this summer.
“But if a player doesn’t want to decide for the club then it’s only fair to tell us so that we can find a solution that makes everyone happy,” he added.
Bayern Munich have already signed Liverpool’s winger Sadio Mane and could lose their highest goal scorer Robert Lewandowski. The Poland captain is expected to join Barça this summer but no bids have been accepted.
Chelsea considering Rafael Leao and Serge Gnabry as alternatives to Raphinha, who’s probably off to Barca #cfc https://t.co/b15yQdcvO5
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) July 12, 2022
