Portuguese left-winger of AC Milan, Rafael Leao, is set to continue his adventure at Milanello as a new contract extension will finally be announced soon. The player, especially in the previous summer, was linked with a move to Chelsea, as widely reported.
According to The Athletic, the Blues really liked the Portuguese 23-year-old forward so much and valued him at around 100 million euros. They "wished to include a player in exchange to make that price". In fact, American winger Christian Pulisic was offered to AC Milan, as was the versatile Moroccan winger (and playmaker) Hakim Ziyech.
Here's how journalist David Ornstein explained the situation:
"Over the course of negotiations, Chelsea’s initial valuation of both players came down to tempt Milan to take one of them in a swap. But the Italians were not convinced. Chelsea showed interest too late in the transfer window and were pointed to the €150million buyout clause in the player’s contract at the time."
Then, in January, Chelsea signed Mykhailo Mudryk, but that did not end their interest in Leao. After the winter window closed, Chelsea’s executives sought a status update and wanted to know if he was renewing his contract with AC Milan will be renewed, as per The Athletic. Now, the London-based club will need to look elsewhere for different options as the former Lille talent is set to stay at Milan, unless they are prepared to meet the new €175million buyout in Leao’s new five-year contract.
