AC Milan's players have joined their manager in urging Rafael Leao to remain at the club with transfer speculation surrounding the Portuguese winger. Leao was back to playing for his club after returning from the World Cup and once again proved why he is one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe.
He not only marked the match with a goal, scoring within 10 minutes to mark his return, he also demonstrated pace, skill and trickery in abundance to take ownership of the game. Milan ended up 2-1 victors to move to within five points of leaders Napoli having played a game more.
Leao has now scored seven times and assisted five in the league, averaging a goal contribution every 92 minutes. His form across the last 18-months has strongly attracted Chelsea but it has also put Milan on alert to his contract situation.
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The 23-year-old's current deal expires in 2024 and Chelsea wish to take advantage of him entering the final 18-months without a future decision sown up. Todd Boehly attempted to sign him over the summer but his massive release clause was too much. Reports suggest that he could be available for cheaper this month but manager Stefano Pioli was insistent on what needs to happen next.
Speaking earlier this month he said: "I advise him to sign a new deal and stay at Milan. I see Rafa very happy here. Leao here will have the chance to improve again, he feels good at Milan with this group."
Chelsea are on the hunt for new and exciting wingers with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic both possibilities to leave the club in 2023 and Leao is one of the top names on their replacement list. He won't be allowed to leave without a fight though with AC Milan's latest deal offering him £6.1m per-year to sign. That works out at £117,000 per week.
His teammate Sandro Tonali has also joined the group of voices trying to convince him to remain at San Siro, saying: “Leao wants to stay at Milan, you can see that — Rafa’s happy here and he’s always been key player for the club’s project."
With at least £112m set aside for Enzo Fernandez in January, Chelsea will now have to set about persuading Leao to join Potter's army of young recruits at Stamford Bridge.
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