According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is Thomas Tuchel’s ‘ideal candidate’ to replace Hakim Ziyech, should the former Ajax star leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Ziyech has been strongly linked an exit this summer, with Italian champions AC Milan interested in signing the Chelsea forward.

The Blues have already acquired Raheem Sterling from Manchester City but are still looking to bolster their forward options with greater quality.

AC Milan are reportedly not interested in selling Leao this summer and will only let the Portuguese international leave if his release clause of €150million is paid.

Leao’s contract with the Italian side expires in the summer of 2024 and AC Milan are yet to reach an agreement with the Portuguese over a new contract due to the player demanding a €7million per year salary.

The 23 year old attacker has spent the last three years of his career at AC Milan and played a vital role in their run to Scudetto glory last season.