Surprise ruling ignites Liverpool battle with Chelsea for ‘bombshell’ signing who produced must-see Champions League moment

The suspension of Juventus’ 15-point deduction in Serie A has sparked a Liverpool vs Chelsea battle for a winger who took the Champions League by storm this week, per reports.
Juventus were initially docked 15 points earlier this season after multiple allegations over false accounting. However, the deduction was suspended on Thursday ahead of a fresh assessment by the Federal Court of Appeal.
As such, Juventus have leapt up the table and into third position. That puts them on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League and as the table stands, AC Milan would be the unlucky loser.
Milan currently sit fifth which would only be good enough for a place in the Europa League.
AC could render their league position irrelevant by winning the Champions League this season. They teed up an all-Milan clash with Inter in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
However, with either Man City or Real Madrid guaranteed to be in the final, AC would be huge underdogs regardless of who they face if besting Inter.
UCL absence could spark Rafael Leao exit – report
Missing out on UCL football could be decisive in determining the future of Rafael Leao, according to news coming from Spain. The Spanish outlet report on Leao’s situation due to real Madrid holding a background interest in the player.
Via Caught Offside, it’s reported the Portuguese forward’s exit may be a ‘matter of time’ if Milan miss out on Europe’s top competition.
Leao’s current deal is due to expire at the end of next season. Milan are desperate to tie the 23-year-old down to fresh terms, but per the report, Liverpool and Chelsea are lurking.
It’s claimed both sides are willing to bid for Leao who is near-unplayable on his day. Indeed, his incredible solo run that saw three players left in his wake played a huge role in dumping Napoli out of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Giroud wasn't going to miss that one!
Leão with one of the best solo runs you will ever see 😍#UCL pic.twitter.com/W4i9QLFnb2
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 18, 2023
Leao has bagged 11 goals and 12 assists in the current campaign and is described as a ‘bombshell’ signing if either Liverpool or Chelsea can secure the coup.
However, upon delving deeper into the move, it appears unlikely this one will go through.
Indeed, the Champions League narrative holds less weight given neither Liverpool or Chelsea look likely to be in that competition next year.
Furthermore, Liverpool already have three players capable of operating in Leao’s left wing position – Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.
Chelsea have £88m signing Mykhailo Mudryk as well as Raheem Sterling. Mudryk has failed to hit the ground running, though at his price he’ll no doubt he given ample opportunities to come good.
Furthermore, Chelsea are in desperate need of sanctioning a fire sale this summer just to conform with Financial Fair Play. Todd Boehly has reportedly already given the greenlight to cashing in on a player he’s only just signed.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have money to spend this summer, though the bulk of it will go on midfield recruits.
While a Rafael Leao move to Anfield or Stamford Bridge would certainly be welcomed, we’re not holding out breath.
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