Chelsea have received a setback in their pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao. The 23-year-old’s father has confirmed to Portuguese outlet Record that his representatives are speaking with the Serie A club over extending his contract, which expires in 2024.
Rafael Leao’s Father Clarifies His Future Amid Chelsea Links
Rafa Leão’s father tells Record: “Rafael has a contract that ends in 2024, we’re in talks about new deal with AC Milan. Until that date, we are dealing with all of that. Without Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barça, we are dealing with that”. 🚨🇵🇹 #ACMilan
“Rafael loves being in Italy”. pic.twitter.com/QIG8m9FIX2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2022
Chelsea Face Competition From Spanish Club for Leao
Graham Potter’s side are reportedly admirers of Leao after having witnessed his rise in form at the Italian club. However, they’ve been told to expect competition from clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Not just that, but they face an uphill task to secure his signing as the Portuguese forward loves his life in Italy and is currently discussing a contract extension with Milan.
Leao’s father told Record: “Rafael has a contract that ends in 2024, we’re in talks about a new deal with AC Milan. Until that date, we are dealing with all of that. Without Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, we are dealing with that. Rafael loves being in Italy.”
Fabrizio Romano also weighed in on the deal: “There are negotiations ongoing between AC Milan and Rafael Leao, his agents and his family.
“Paolo Maldini is on it and will try to find a solution as soon as possible. I don’t see a transfer happening in January, honestly as Milan will try to keep him for sure; we’ve to see what happens in the summer.”
Read More: Chelsea Target Leandro Trossard Gives Update on His Future
This comes after it was recently reported that the Italian club are finding it difficult to come to an agreement with the 23-year-old winger over terms for a new contract. Leao wants to get huge wages that will make him the club’s highest-paid player in history, something which the Serie A club aren’t looking to provide.
Chelsea Pushing to Upgrade Forward Line Next Season
Even after having spent a record transfer fee of over £250 million, Todd Boehly’s side aren’t finished with improving their squad. Chelsea have had a pretty rough start to the season, having replaced Thomas Tuchel with Potter. After a solid start under the new manager, the Blues lost their last three games before the FIFA World Cup break.
They’ve only scored 17 goals in 14 Premier League games this season and their attacking line is misfiring after offloading Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner in the summer. The Blues are pushing to improve their forward core next season, as they’re already close to signing RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku.
Read More: Chelsea Appreciate Denzel Dumfries as Potential Right-Back Signing
Chelsea also might want to add more excitement to their attack by roping in Leao, who was dubbed as an ‘incredible player’ by their striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang recently. However, they’ll face major challenges in convincing Leao to leave Milan and join them – with the Portuguese international currently looking settled in Italy.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨
It’s looking complicated for Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao to sign a new contract with AC Milan… 👀 pic.twitter.com/FhFFOtTneV
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) November 15, 2022
