Chelsea target denies summer exit rumours following Champions League heroics

AC Milan ace Rafael Leao wants to continue at AC Milan amid interest from Chelsea

Rafael Leao has handed Chelsea a blow by claiming that he intends to stay at AC Milan. This more or less dispels the speculation that he would leave the team in the summer transfer window.

The Portuguese star’s ascent to becoming a promising prospect has drawn interest from several European teams, like Liverpool and Chelsea, who are keeping an eye on his progress. A dynamic presence out wide, h would be an upgrade over the options we now have at Stamford Bridge.

And he once again demonstrated his credentials, in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Napoli, as Milan reached the semi-final of the tournament. This is the first time they have reached the stage since winning the competition in 2007.

The 23-year-old has only one year remaining on his contract at the San Siro, but negotiations to extend it are ongoing. While both sides are yet to reach an agreement, Leao’s admission will see Milan breathe a sigh of relief.

When asked about his contract situation following the 2-1 aggregate victory over Napoli, (h/t Mirror), Leao, a former Sporting CP and LOSC Lille attacker, responded as follows:

“I want to stay here in Milan, yes, but there are some things to resolve. I’m still under contract for one more year; we’re in talks. I feel at home at AC Milan. I’m so, so happy to be here. What matters most now is that we’re in the semi-finals; it’s a great season, and I want to continue helping the team.”

Leao is gradually making his presence felt. He is a terrific attacker who plays on the left wing. He has an excellent pace, the self-assurance to challenge defenders, and is also clinical. The reigning Serie A MVP, he led Milan to the title last season.

We already have two exceptional young players in the form of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, both of whom have the potential to thrive here. However, he is much further along in his development cycle and can walk straight into our first XI and make a difference.

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However, he can consider joining Liverpool, where Luis Diaz is the only player who plays from the left side, and Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo very occasionally operate from there. But the Reds have other priorities than go big for another attacker.