Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
The Blues began the campaign well stocked for options in the final third of the pitch, but that has drastically changed as the season has progressed.
As well as Mykhaylo Mudryk having been provisionally suspended for a failed drugs test, Joao Felix has been allowed to go out on loan to Milan.
Combined with the inconsistencies of Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho, club officials have been left to consider how to strengthen in wide areas.
According to TBR Football, Chelsea have already asked for information regarding the availability of Leao.
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Chelsea renew Leao interest
The report suggests that Chelsea's hierarchy enquired about the Portugal international's situation when negotiating Felix's switch to San Siro.
There have been times during the campaign when Leao has spent time on the Milan bench or lasted just 45 minutes, including recently since the arrival of Sergio Conceicao.
Nevertheless, the 25-year-old remains with eight goals and eight assists from his Serie A and Champions League appearances during 2024-25.
Leao was only introduced as a substitute in the most recent fixture, yet he provided the assist for Santiago Gimenez's decisive goal against Hellas Verona.
With Leao possessing a contract until 2028, it remains to be seen whether Milan will consider cashing in on his signature during the next transfer window.
Much may depend on whether Milan are able to qualify for next season's Champions League, with a vast improvement in form being required just to get within fourth place in the Serie A table.
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Will Felix be used as pawn in negotiations?
Felix has fitted seamlessly into life at Milan, already making three starts and one substitute outing in his favoured number 10 role.
As it stands, he is due to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, but it is increasingly likely that all parties will work on a deal should he remain settled in Italy.
With Chelsea expected to demand at least £50m for Felix, it essentially comes off what they would expect to pay for Leao, a player who is said to have a release clause of €175m (£145.3m).
Although Chelsea paying that is out of the question, they know that they have a bargaining tool in Felix if Milan play hardball.
Darren Plant
