AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has been the subject of intense transfer speculation over the last few months. The Portugal international was a vital part of the squad as the Rossoneri reclaimed the Serie A title last season.
He scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, guiding the team to the top of the table. But with his contract running out in 2024, a move away has been strongly rumoured. Chelsea were one of the most heavily rumoured clubs interested in signing the forward this summer. However, nothing came to pass this year.
Paolo Maldini speaks on Rafael Leao’s future
“The renewal is an issue that we faced many months ago. Rafa knows that to become stronger than now the solution is to stay with us,” the Milan legend told Sport Mediaset.
“Chelsea’s officially written offer did not arrive but on an informal level it did. Of course, it was rejected.”
Rafael Leao has a release clause in his contract worth €150 million, which is not likely to be matched any time soon. As of now, Milan are struggling to renew his contract despite being able to agree new deals with Sandro Tonali and Fikayo Tomori recently.
If they are not able to extend his stay, they might be forced to sell him in 2023 when the transfer window opens.
