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Rafael Leao’s performances for AC Milan are attracting interest from top clubs once again, with Arsenal the latest club linked.
As CaughtOffside report, Leao has been a central figure for Milan since his return from injury, with five goal contributions (four of them goals) in his last five games. Under Massimiliano Allegri he has been playing more as a striker rather than as a winger, and it seems to be working thus far.
They add that Milan seem willing to reward Leao with a new contract. It would be a two or three-year extension to secure his services beyond the current 2028 deadline, and there would be a pay rise included too from the €5m net per year (plus €2m in potential bonuses) he currently gets.
Despite the club’s confidence, ‘insiders suggest that the Rossoneri would still consider a transfer if an extraordinary offer arrived’, as per the source. Mikel Arteta is a ‘long-time admirer’ of Leao, and believes he could compliment Bukayo Saka by playing on the other flank.
Milan are ‘in no hurry to sell’ however because the management ‘view Leão as a cornerstone of their long-term plans and a symbol of their sporting identity’.
What Moretto said
Matteo Moretto stated in a recent YouTube video that Milan want to extend Leao’s contract, which is a sign of their faith in him. However, no player in the squad is truly unsellable.
“We’re talking about one of the best players in Serie A and in Europe: Leao has shown he has the qualities to be among the best in his position. There’s also news about his future and his contract. Leao is increasingly a key player, increasingly a driving force in Allegri’s Milan.
“Seven league games, four goals, and one assist. Leao is increasingly decisive, a player who provides assists, like the one for Pavlovic, and also a penalty taker. There’s not much to talk about in the transfer market surrounding Leao because Milan had already toyed with the idea of extending the Portuguese’s contract this summer.
“In recent weeks, this idea has resurfaced in the minds of Rossoneri executives. I want to explain how AC Milan is truly intent on extending Leao’s contract, which expires in 2028. An extension that would recognise the player’s performance on the pitch and the fact that Leao, despite some interest, has always given Milan top priority and respect over the summer.
“They’ve told me about a contract that could be extended for another two or three years, so that’s still a matter of discussion. However, the key point is that this type of renewal would still be an extension… In football and at Milan, I find it difficult to say that there are players who are unsellable and untouchable.
“Milan would certainly have to consider and evaluate a significant offer if they were to arrive, but they would do so for Leao just like they would for any other player. There’s no doubt about that. It’s also a question of transfer market rules. But Milan’s current intention is certainly to extend Leao’s contract.
“In the past, there’s been a lot of talk about Barcelona or English clubs, but those are issues to be evaluated at the end of the year.”
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