Man City 'join Chelsea in race' for Rafael Leao and more transfer rumours

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester City are reportedly set to join Chelsea in the race to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Teamtalk ), City are eyeing up a move for the left winger, who has two years left on his contract with the Serie A team. It is claimed that the 23-year-old is seriously admired by Pep Guardiola's side and that due to City's financial firepower they are one of the frontrunners for his signature.

Leao burst onto the scene last season after winning Serie A's Player of the Season award. The Portugal international scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 league appearances during the 2021/22 season.

ALSO READ: Three City players made the difference vs Dortmund

Elsewhere, the Mail Online report that City have decided their main recruitment focus for next season will be to bolster their central midfield options.

The report claims that Guardiola may well have been closely watching Jude Bellingham's performance for Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night. The 19-year-old certainly impressed as he opened the scoring with a header, getting on the end of a Marco Reus cross to turn the ball past Ederson in goal.

The 2-1 win over Dortmund also saw Erling Haaland come up against his former side, and the report states that his signature is proof that City are delighted with their long-term planning. It is thought that by refusing to overspend on Harry Kane, they are now reaping the rewards of what has proven to be a sensational transfer.

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