Reports in Italy have confirmed that Chelsea tried to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan with a jaw-dropping bid of around €90 million in the last summer transfer window.
However, the Rossoneri management remained adamant about keeping the winger, and they turned down the Premier League club’s offer. In order to strengthen the wall of protection surrounding the 23-year-old, Milan now wants to extend Leo’s contract.
As reported by Alfredo Pedullà: In his words, while speaking to Amazon Prime Video ahead of their Champions League fixture against Chelsea, director Paolo Maldini said:
“He (Leão) is a raw talent. He arrived when he was 20 years old, and I remember how I felt at that age. These guys arrive very young and need support. There is the will to renew his contract, as well as those of Bennacer and Kalulu, then you have to sit at the table and negotiate. I believe that AC Milan is the ideal club for the full development of Rafa’s career.”
Despite Milan losing to Chelsea 3-0, Leão has made a brilliant start to his 2022/23 season, having already amassed four goals and seven assists from ten games across all competitions. Even in the first half at Stamford Bridge, he managed to showcase glimpses of individual qualities.
The Portuguese forward has a contract with Milan until June 2024, and a renewal will likely place him out of reach of clubs looking set to bring him to their respective teams.
