AC Milan star Rafael Leao has responded to reports linking him with a move to Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Leao's current deal at the San Siro is set to expire in 2024 and he is yet to agree a renewal.
The Portugal international has been one of the Serie A giant's most important players in recent seasons, playing a key role in their title-winning campaign last term. Leao was crowned as Serie A Most Valuable Player and Serie A Football of the Year - scoring 14 goals and providing a further 12 assists in all competitions for Milan.
The Blues got a first-hand look at the winger earlier this season in the Champions League group stages. Reece James claimed Leao was one of the toughest wingers he has faced in his career, to which the Portuguese forward replied: "My bro."
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Leao's friendship with James has only heightened rumours of a potential switch from the San Siro to Stamford Bridge this summer. AC Milan are keen to tie Leao down to a new long-term deal, but the Blues are willing to offer him a huge financial package to secure his signature and poach him from the Italian outfit.
Leao has admitted he would one day like to play in the Premier League but has now cast doubt over a summer switch to Stamford Bridge. "I don’t like the weather there [in England]," the 23-year-old said in an interview on YouTube, via the Metro.
"I went shopping the first time I went to London. I like Milan, the duomo, the malls, the clubs and food are superior."
AC Milan sporting director Frederic Massara said earlier this season: "We’re confident to reach an agreement with Rafael Leao and extend his contract. We’ll try to find a solution to proceed with Rafa for long time."
Speaking about Chelsea’s attempt to sign Leao last summer, AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini said: "Rafa knows that to become stronger than now the solution is to stay with us. Chelsea’s officially written offer did not arrive but on an informal level it did.
"Of course, it was rejected." Chelsea could reignite their interest this summer as they look to add a new attacker and fix their goal scoring problems - having only scored 23 goals in 25 Premier League fixtures so far this term.
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