Rafael Leao ‘complications’ over new contract with AC Milan give Chelsea boost in transfer race
Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao is having ‘complications’ in his discussions with AC Milan over a new contract, according to Sky Italia (h/t Mirror). And the Blues will evidently be hoping to take advantage of the situation.
The Portugal international’s existing deal runs until the summer of 2024. The Serie A champions are keen on keeping a hold of the 23-year-old. However, it seems a change in the forward’s agent has put a spanner in the works.
Leao made his way to Milan from LOSC Lille. Before that, he was contracted to Sporting CP. And the Primeira Liga outfit are still owed €19 million.
On the other hand, the 23-year-old is asking the Rossoneri for €9 million to €10 million per year, which the Italian outfit have never paid a player in their history. So, it will be interesting to see how the negotiations unfold between the two parties.
The Portugal international has taken big strides in his career since last season. Milan won the Scudetto after an 11-year drought in the 2021/22 campaign. And the young forward was key to their success.
Leao has been pivotal once again for Stefano Pioli’s team this season. In 18 appearances in all competitions, the 23-year-old has scored six goals and provided nine assists.
The Blues let go of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner in the recent transfer window. The duo failed to convince fans of their quality during their time at the club.
Chelsea’s forward line at the moment consists of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Armando Broja, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech. However, none of them have been able to live up to expectations so far in this term.
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Leao is still young and developing. He still has a long way to go in improving certain aspects. Whether the Stamford Bridge side place their bets on the youngster in the coming transfer windows remains to be seen.