AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has, on Thursday, provided a fresh insight into the future of a key member of the club’s frontline.
The player in question? Rafael Leao.
Wide-man Leao, of course, saw his name take its place centre stage in the media headlines late in the summer transfer window.
This came as the Portuguese international was identified as a key target on the part of the powers that be at Premier League giants Chelsea.
Fresh off a season which saw him named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player – owing to a haul of 11 goals and eight assists – then-Blues boss Thomas Tuchel and co. set their sights firmly on Leao’s signature, as a replacement of sorts for outgoing pair Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku.
Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A football match AC Milan vs Bologna at San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy on 27/08/22 2JT2F24 Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A football match AC Milan vs Bologna at San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy on 27/08/22 (Alamy Stock Photo)
In the end, however, evidently, the efforts of the hierarchy in west London came up short.
And now, as alluded to above, a fresh update on the explosive wide-man’s situation at San Siro has been forthcoming.
Speaking to Sky Italia on Thursday, Paolo Maldini, Rossoneri director and club legend, was asked for the latest on Leao’s future.
And Maldini went on to spark concern with his ensuing comments.
After admitting that the club’s efforts to tie Leao down for the long-term prior to the World Cup kicking into gear came up short, the Italian added that ‘we’ve been working on it for months’.
Fresh talks, in turn, have been scheduled for the new year, with it yet to be seen whether an agreement can ultimately be reached.
AC Milan director Maldini: “We wanted to get Rafa Leão’s new contract done before the World Cup, but it was not possible”, tells Sky.
#ACMilan
“We’ve been working on it for months. We will meet and make decisions at the right moment”. pic.twitter.com/gz4AtDSow3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 17, 2022
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