Paolo Maldini on Rafael Leão renewal: “There is the will to renew his contract” | OneFootball

Reports in Italy have confirmed that Chelsea tried to sign Rafael Leão from Milan with a jaw-dropping bid of around €‎90 million in the last summer transfer window.

But the Rossoneri management remained determined to keep the winger and subsequently rebuffed the offer from the Premier League side. Milan now want to renew Leão’s contract to expand the protective shield around the 23-year-old.

Speaking to the mics of Amazon Prime Video (as reported by Alfredo Pedullà) ahead of their Champions League fixture against Chelsea, Milan technical director Paolo Maldini said:

“He (Leão) is a raw talent. He arrived when he was 20 years old, and I remember how I felt at that age. These guys arrive very young and need support. There is the will to renew his contract, as well as those of Bennacer and Kalulu, then you have to sit at the table and negotiate. I believe that AC Milan is the ideal club for the full development of Rafa’s career.”

Despite Milan losing to Chelsea 3-0, Leão has made a brilliant start to his 2022/23 season, having already amassed four goals and seven assists from ten games across all competitions. Even in the first half at Stamford Bridge, the Portuguese, who has a contract with Milan until June 2024, managed to showcase glimpses of individual qualities.