A View From The Bridge

“Meeting with Maldini”- Chelsea target Rafael Leao offers update on his AC Milan future

Rafael Leao offers update on his AC Milan future amid Chelsea links

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football.London), Portugal winger Rafael Leao has given an update on his AC Milan future and hinted at the fact that it could be bad news for Chelsea.

Chelsea’s interest in Leao has been public since the latter half of the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old’s contract at San Siro expires in 18 months’ time (Transfermarkt).

A few weeks ago, the 23-year-old’s father initially dealt the Blues a transfer blow when he talked about working on his son’s new deal with Milan and that he loves living in Italy.

Rafael Leao has hinted that he could stay at AC Milan amid Chelsea interest. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Here’s what Leao said regarding his future (h/t Football.London):

“I am happy and proud. I have to stay focused on the World Cup then I’ll speak with Milan upon my return. Renewal? We already had a meeting with Maldini just before joining the national team, it was a positive meeting. Once I return to Milan we will discuss it better.”

The former Lille man is currently with the Portuguese national team playing in the World Cup in Qatar. He came off the bench in both the group games so far, scoring against Ghana and impacting well against Uruguay.

Carrying his excellent form of last season where he scored 11 goals and assisted 10 in 34 league games, Leao scored six goals and assisted five in 14 league games in the first half of this season.

Leao has been one of the in form players in Europe. (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)

He is a fantastic player who can operate in any position across the forward line. The versatility comes with the advantage that he can be a goal threat irrespective of whether he is playing as a striker or a winger.

Chelsea do lack a cutting edge in their final third. Their wide forwards and strikers are not scoring enough goals to either win games or rescue lost causes.

They have already almost completed the signature of Christopher Nkunku. But, with what we have seen so far, the Blues would need more addition in the forward line soon. Hence, this Leao update may come as a blow to their aspirations of signing him in the future.

More Chelsea News:

We cannot give up though. The extension hasn’t been signed yet. There is still a chance we see Chelsea acquiring the services of the 23-year-old.

Mizgan Masani

Recent Posts

Chelsea star backed to make Old Trafford switch; ‘fresh opportunity’ on the cards

Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…

5 days ago

Chelsea star to push for Stamford Bridge exit; Manchester United keen

Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…

5 days ago

Chelsea are eager to make a massive move for Barcelona right-back

In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…

7 days ago

Chelsea unwilling to sanction sale of 10-goal star to Premier League rival

Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…

1 week ago

Chelsea lead the race for 23-goal European star to address striking woes

Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…

1 week ago

Chelsea shortlist two names as Maresca keen to strengthen one key area

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…

1 week ago