AC Milan's Stefano Pioli talks to Rafael Leao. (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
As per the quotes on Football.London, AC Milan boss Stefano Piolo has urged Chelsea target Rafael Leao to stay with the defending Serie A champions.
Leao has been linked with the Blues since the latter half of the summer transfer window. They tried signing late in the summer but Milan cited a £127m release clause that needed to be paid.
The Portugal international, who is currently in Qatar representing his nation in the World Cup, has a contract with Milan until the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt).
Here’s what Pioli said when asked about the player’s future at Milan (h/t Football.London):
“He’s really happy with us, it’s clear. Maldini & Rafa’s camp are in negotiations. We’re waiting for good news. He’s happy with Milan, I want him to stay”.
A few days ago, as per the report on Football.London, Leao’s father stated the forward’s happiness in Milan and how talks of a new contract are progressing despite interest from other clubs.
If the 23-year-old extends his stay in Italy, it might be a blow for Chelsea as they have earmarked his signature for quite some time now.
Leao is an exceptional player who has probably been one of the best forwards in Europe in the last year or so. He can play in any forward line position and can score and assist goals for fun.
From the start of last season till the first half of this, the Portuguese star scored 17 goals and assisted 15 in 48 Serie A appearances. He has pace, can take defenders on, has good finishing technique and is physically strong.
Chelsea could do with someone like him in their forward line. We have lacked conviction and quality in the final third this season. The issue of forwards not scoring enough has been present for the last few years.
If Leao does not come, we may need to start looking at alternatives soon. Although it is good news that Christopher Nkunku is close to joining us, we need more than that to reinvigorate our front -line.
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