AC Milan is close to agreeing on a new deal with Rafael Leao, which will be a big blow to Chelsea’s efforts to land the 23-year-old winger.
According to Fichajes, Rafael Leao could renew with AC Milan after the Italian champions reportedly agreed to the player and his agents’ financial demands. The decision will be a blow for Chelsea, who relentlessly chased the 23-year-old winger.
Rafael Leao is the name on every big club’s shopping list as his contractual situation with AC Milan became public knowledge. After an impressive period with the Rossoneri, where he helped them win the Serie A title, his future came under considerable doubt.
Leao was Serie A’s MVP last season and since the summer window, interest in the 23-year-old winger has been rife. Milan always wanted to keep him long-term and believed the Portuguese international wanted to stay put.
Renewing his contract was always tricky for Milan considering Leao’s huge financial demands. Those requests from the 23-year-old may have to do with the ongoing situation with former side Sporting CP, to whom Leao owes a considerable amount of money.
The report insists Milan does not want to wait any longer and have reportedly agreed to Leao’s financial demands. The suggestion is that the 23-year-old earn around €7 million per season. That will be five times more than his current salary, and become Milan’s highest-paid star.
If Leao signs a new deal with Milan, it will be a major blow for Chelsea and their efforts to sign the 23-year-old winger. The Blues were reportedly prepared to make a huge offer to tempt the attacker.
There were suggestions that Chelsea’s interest turned Leao’s head. He also had the interest of other clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United, which also convinced Milan to pay up.
Contrary to reports that Chelsea were ready to abandon the Leao pursuit, the club wanted the 23-year-old winger alongside Christopher Nkunku to form a deadly attacking setup. If Leao signs the new Milan deal, the Blues will rue their luck, as any future move will only cost more.
