Father of Rafael Leao entertains questions on his son’s future as a transfer blow to Chelsea
In an interview with Record of Portugal, relayed by MilanNews (h/t Football.London), Antonio Leao, father of AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao, has disclosed that the player is happy at Milan despite growing interest from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Leao has been linked with Chelsea since the summer transfer window. The Blues did even make a late attempt to sign him in the summer, but Milan rejected the offer as it was too late in the window.
The Portugal international, who is in Qatar to represent his nation in the World Cup, has his contract with the Serie A champions expiring in the summer of 2024. So, he has a total of 18 months before he can leave San Siro for free.
Here’s what his father Antonio said regarding the future (h/t Football.London):
“We are working on it [contract renewal]. Until the deadline of 2024 we will take care of everything, without necessarily Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid.
“He loves being in Italy. He has a predilection for Italians, the one the Portuguese do not have for him. He won the award for best player of the last Serie A not because he was beautiful, but simply… because he is the best.”
What this quote tells us is that both Antonio and Rafael are calm about the latter’s contract situation at Milan. It also alludes to their love for the city from the 24-year-old, which could also mean he sees his future with the Rossoneri itself.
If that is the case, it would be a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of signing him in either of the upcoming transfer windows. Knowing the way the Blues have been linked with him, it seems like the Portuguese star was one of their main targets to improve the team’s forward line.
Leao has had an incredible last 18 months on the field. He was one of the main reasons behind Milan winning the Scudetto last season after an 11-year wait.
Since the start of last season till the end of the first half of this season, the 24-year-old has scored 21 goals and assisted 21 in 62 appearances in all competitions.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea and Arsenal join the race to sign Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho
- Brentford striker Ivan Toney among four attackers on Chelsea transfer wishlist
- Chelsea coach Graham Potter is not interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo
So, if Chelsea miss out on him, they might have to look at the alternatives. Leao is chiefly a left-winger who can play as a centre-forward. The Blues need strengthening in that position sooner rather than later. Good thing there is a break now as it allows the manager Graham Potter to sit with the transfer department and look at other targets.