Diego Moreira could be on track for Chelsea return after dazzling in new spell - verdict

Diego Moreira will surely be on Chelsea's transfer radar as he makes waves at AC Milan this season.

The 22-year-old joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 but only featured once for the West London club before moving on loan to Lyon.

He completed a permanent move to fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg in 2024, and quickly became a key player for the Ligue 1 side.

Versatile winger Moreira registered 13 goal contributions in 42 appearances last season as rumours grew of Chelsea potentially activating their buy-back clause.

He did not return to Stamford Bridge, however, instead making a £42.6million switch to AC Milan in August.

Moreira has been a standout at wing-back under Ruben Amorim so far for the Italian giants, and could well end up back at Chelsea pretty soon if his strong form continues.

Diego Moreira to be a target for Chelsea again after strong start at AC Milan

Moreira started the campaign on the bench for Milan but impressed in his first appearance for the club away to Juventus on 6 September.

He then netted a brace in a 2-2 draw at Lazio a week later, and continued his strong start with another strike in their 3-0 win against Lecce on Sunday.

Moreira came on to make a real impact at the San Siro, completing the joint most dribbles (3) of any player, having 100 per cent pass accuracy (5/5), 100 per cent dribble completion (3/3) and winning all four of his attempted ground duels.

The Belgian star has made a real impression in the early stages of his Milan career, and was clearly rated by Chelsea's owners during his time at Strasbourg.

The Blues are not particularly blessed at wing-back right now, as Xabi Alonso persists with his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation.

After previous rumours of Chelsea considering activating his buy-back clause, it certainly seems possible that Moreira ends up back in West London while Alonso remains in charge.

Moreira could oust Pedro Neto at wing-back for Chelsea

Neto has been a much-maligned figure at Chelsea in recent seasons, with Alonso now preferring to use him on the right of a back five.

Moreira beats the Portuguese international in several key metrics when their respective stats from the current Serie A and Premier League campaigns are compared.

The Milan star has better xG, shots on target and successful pass per 90 stats, while Neto is more creative with better chance creation and expected assist per 90 stats.

Moreira, though, comes out on top for successful dribbles, duels won, aerial duels won, touches in the opposition box and fouls won per 90 metrics.

He has also made more tackles and clearances, committed fewer fouls and been dispossessed fewer times per 90 than Neto.