Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole differ on Rafael Leao amid Chelsea transfer link

With a release clause of around £131million, so much was expected of Rafael Leao as he was put under the microscope on a potential Chelsea transfer audition.

However, AC Milan were given a harsh reality check in Group E of this year's Champions League, with none of their stars really performing to the desired level.

Having beaten Dinamo Zagreb and RB Salzburg, this was expected to be a stiff challenge for Graham Potter's men but their attacking and dynamic style caught the Serie A outfit off the guard defensively as more than three goals could have been conceded if the Blues were to have gone through the gears a little more.

Luckily from Pioli's perspective, Chelsea weren't in the mood to hit four, just like they did against Juventus in last season's competition. With the goal difference for Milan not in jeopardy, the clash at San Siro now gives the likes of Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori and Leao a chance for revenge in front of what is expected to be a deafening atmosphere.

The 23-year-old attacker will have to improve on Wednesday night's showing, as he didn't do too much well during his 72 minutes afforded in the pitch bar one weaving run made at the end of the first half which nearly resulted in a goal, if it wasn't for the goalkeeping of Kepa Arrizabalaga and a stunning block from Ben Chilwell to divert a follow-up over the bar.

Other than that, his inability to track back and help his team defend as seen in Reece James' goal to make it 3-0 on the night was highlighted as a potential 'attitude' problem by Joe Cole.

"Do you know what? For all of his talent and everything tonight, there will be scouts here, and there will be question marks on his attitude," the former Chelsea midfielder said on BT Sport.

"He went like most of his teammates tonight. He went a bit limp against James. He didn't get his own way. First 20 minutes, he was loving life, chest out, he was running at players.

"Reece James put it on him a bit, and we watched his body language," added Cole, before reminding potential suitors that there is still time for Leao to elevate his game. "If you're going to spend £100million or whatever his price tag will be, you've got to tick all of the boxes. There's still some time left, and he is exciting."

Whilst not completely disagreeing with the point made by his punditry counterpart, Ferdinand believes Leao has the quality to bounce back from this showing and most importantly, learn his defensive responsibilities over time and the importance of them on the grand scale.

The former Man United defender added on BT Sport: "When you're a player, you lack awareness at times, you worry about 'I’ve been dragged off, I haven't performed on the big stage' a bit sulky at times and I understand that. Listen, he showed tonight he has enough quality to become a top player but there are aspects of his game he’s got to work on, he’s a young player, I think he’ll grow, he’ll be a top, top player."

football.london understands that Chelsea could still maintain their interest in Leao from last summer despite the impending Christopher Nkunku battle but their pursuit could all depend on what happens during contract negotiations between AC Milan and the player in question.

“Leão is a raw talent, he arrived when he was 20 and I remember how I felt at that age. These kids come very young and need support,” Maldini told Amazon Prime Video via Sport Witness post-match.

“If there is a willingness on the part of both parties to renew? There is to renew him, as well as Bennacer and Kalulu, then you have to sit at the table and negotiate. I believe that Milan are the ideal club for the complete development of Rafa’s career.”