Manchester City and Chelsea now appear unlikely to be signing Milan sensation Rafael Leao as he closes in on a new contract.
The Portuguese striker has been linked with a move away from the San Siro over recent months with just one year remaining on his current deal. Premier League duo Man City and Chelsea have been linked with a move.
Current employers AC Milan have been desperate to extend his stay in Italy throughout the campaign and might well be edging towards their wish. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao is close to putting pen to paper on a new deal.
As per the reports, he will sign a new five-year deal in Milan and is set to bank around €7m (£6.1m) should he stay. A delay regarding a fresh deal has centred around a stand-off between his former clubs Sporting Portugal and Lille - the former believing that they were due considerable compensation after the striker’s exit.
An agreement has been found with the Portuguese club though, leaving Leao able to sign his new deal with Milan. That news will not be welcomed by either City and Chelsea with both linked with a swoop for his services.
He had previously confirmed that he always wanted to stay with the Rossoneri. Speaking after Milan’s Champions League success against Napoli last month, he said: “I want to stay here at Milan, yes — but there are some things to resolve.”
Has Rafael Leao made the right decision to stay with AC Milan? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“I’m still under contract for one more year, we’re in talks. I feel at home at AC Milan. I’m so, so happy to be here.
“What matters most now is that we're in the semi-finals, it's a great season and I want to continue helping the team.”
Leao, 23, is in the midst of another brilliant season for Milan. He has 13 goals and as many assists to his name throughout the campaign in all competitions.
That builds on last season’s success as his 11 league goals helped Milan to end their long wait for a Serie A crown. Stefano Pioli’s side have not quite managed to continue that form this season.
They sit fifth and in a battle to return to the Champions League with Napoli now being on the verge of claiming the title. Milan do however remain in Europe having edged past their domestic rivals and will take on cross-city rivals Inter in the semi-finals.
Whilst Chelsea have been left frustrated in their attempts to sign Leao, they are already on the verge of a major attacking addition. RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku is set for a move to Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman has struggled with injury this tem but still has 18 goals to his name in all competitions.
