AC Milan have slammed reports claiming that Rafael Leao’s contract talks with the club had broken down, describing them as ‘unfounded’, with the Serie A star reportedly keen on a Premier League move.
Italian news outlets claimed that talks over a new deal for Leao, who is out of contract in 2024 as things stand, had broken down amid a release clause stand off, with his agency wanting to change his current clause to 80m euros (£72m).
The attacker, who has scored eight times and grabbed six assists in Serie A this season, is thought to be the subject of interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, with the trio all keeping a close eye on how his contract situation develops.
🚨 Talks have TOTALLY broken down between Rafael Leão and AC Milan over a new contract! ❌
The player’s camp want to change his release clause from €150M to €70M-€80M.
(Source: @Gazzetta_it)#DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/kAoZgPbfdf
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 31, 2023
However, AC Milan have since hit back at the news, branding it ‘fake’ and ‘damaging’ for their club.
“Stories on negotiations collapsed with Leão are fake”, they claimed.
“Alleged frost between parties is not only totally unfounded but harmful to the Club and its player. Milan continues dialogue with Leao and his entourage.”
With Chelsea having already signed Mykhaylo Mudryk for their left flank, they are unlikely to come calling for the AC Milan man in the coming months, despite being keen on the 23-year-old last summer.
However, City remain on the hunt for a forward, and it is reported that Leao is one of those on their wishlist for the summer, while they are also exploring a potential move for James Maddison in the centre of midfield.
