AC Milan star Rafael Leao 'loves being in Italy' according to his father, Antonio Leao, despite interest growing from Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Leao's current deal with Milan is set to expire in 2024 leaving just 18 months before he can leave on a free transfer. The Blues were linked with a move for the Portuguese forward in the summer, but a transfer failed to materialise, despite Chelsea being expected to reignite their interest in the upcoming transfer windows.
The 24-year-old impressed against the west London outfit in both Champions League group stage fixtures earlier this season and admitted that Chelsea defender Reece James was one of the 'toughest' he has faced in his career, whilst Thiago Silva had similar praise for Leao. The Portugal international will feature at the World Cup in Qatar, with speculation surrounding his future continuing to circulate ahead of the January transfer window.
READ MORE: Rafael Leao sends Chelsea £131m January transfer hint amid AC Milan contract 'complications'
Various reports suggest one of the key factors as to why Leao has not penned a new deal with Milan is due to the compensation his previous clubs, Sporting Club and Lille, are owed. Leao's father, Antonio, has now opened up on his son's contract situation in an interview to the Portuguese newspaper Record, relayed by MilanNews.
Leao's father said: “We are working on it [contract renewal]. Until the deadline of 2024 we will take care of everything, without necessarily Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid.
"He loves being in Italy. He has a predilection for Italians, the one the Portuguese do not have for him. He won the award for best player of the last Serie A not because he was beautiful, but simply… because he is the best.”
Antonio Leao's comments suggest he and his son are calm about the contract situation with Milan and that there are plenty of options should an agreement not be reached. Chelsea will be hoping they can convince Leao of a move to the Premier League ahead of joining either of the two Spanish giants.
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