Leao offered to Tottenham as Chelsea signs Matsukubo for Chelsea Women
Portugal winger Rafael Leao has been offered to Tottenham Hotspur amid his stated desire to leave AC Milan this summer, according to Standard Sport. The 27-year-old has been linked with an exit from Milan as Tottenham continues active summer transfer business. Separately, Chelsea confirmed on Friday the signing of Japan international Manaka Matsukubo from the USA's North Carolina Courage on a five-year deal. The 21-year-old midfielder, named NWSL Midfielder of the Year last season, is expected to bolster Chelsea Women's midfield ahead of the new season, expressing excitement about joining a globally recognized club.
This matters to Nigerian football fans as it impacts Premier League competitiveness—where many Nigerian professionals play—and highlights growing investment in women's football, relevant to the Super Falcons' development. Leao's potential move could alter Tottenham's attacking dynamics, while Chelsea's women's signing reflects a trend European clubs are emulating that Nigerian clubs could monitor for youth development pathways.
Leao has publicly pushed for a Milan exit; Tottenham hasn't confirmed talks. Matsukubo's deal runs until 2029, with her NWSL award underscoring her pedigree. Chelsea Women open their WSL season against Manchester City on September 20. For Nigerian fans tracking European football, watch if Leicester or Aston Villa enter the Leao race—and whether Chelsea's women's investment inspires similar NWL investments back home.