Chelsea suffer Leao transfer setback as Jorge Mendes makes Real Madrid approach

AC Milan star Rafael Leao continues to shine in Italy after a strong World Cup campaign with Portugal sparking transfer interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid

Leao has already admitted he would one day like to play in the Premier League but has now cast doubt over a summer switch to Stamford Bridge. "I don’t like the weather there [in England]," the 23-year-old said in an interview on YouTube, via the Metro.

"I went shopping the first time I went to London. I like Milan, the duomo, the malls, the clubs and food are superior," the Portugal international continued.

Speaking about Chelsea’s attempt to sign Leao last summer, AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini said: "Rafa knows that to become stronger than now the solution is to stay with us. Chelsea’s officially written offer did not arrive but on an informal level it did, of course, it was rejected."

The Blues have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Leao with his agent approaching Spanish giants Real Madrid over a potential summer move for his client. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mendes offered the Portuguese striker to Real Madrid last month, but the La Liga giants are unwilling to make a big-money offer for the 23-year-old, considering they already have a top player in Vinicius Junior playing on the left wing.

Negotiations have not continued with Madrid, but that could change the closer we get to the summer transfer window. Chelsea will hope that Leao's dream of playing in the Premier League will help them convince him over a move to Stamford Bridge.