Highly-rated AC Milan star Rafael Leao has signed a fresh five year contract with the San Siro side ahead of their Champions League semi-final, ending speculation surrounding any potential move for the Portuguese forward for the foreseeable future.
Leao was a key part of the Rossoneri’s Serie A success last season, scoring 11 goals and grabbing a further 10 assists as Stefano Pioli’s side managed to lift the Scudetto for the first time since 2011.
He has continued in that form this season too, with 12 goals already to his name in Serie A, as well as a goal and five assists in the Champions League.
However, his contract was due to be up in 2024, which led to interest from Chelsea last summer as part of Todd Boehly’s attempt to throw money at their problems, while Arsenal were also thought to be keen on the winger heading into this summer.
They will both be left disappointed, though, with the Athletic reporting that, after months of speculation and negotiation, a deal has finally been struck to keep Leao at San Siro.
The contract, which will run until 2028, is not thought to include a release clause of any kind, and will hand Leao a salary boost to reflect his newfound position among the best wingers in world football.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) he will try to push himself to the maximum to understand if he can take part in the match,” Pioli told the media on Tuesday.
“If I call him up, it will be because he’s fit to play. If the tests are fine, he could even start.”
