“We’re waiting for good news”- AC Milan boss delivers blow to Chelsea in pursuit of 23-year-old star | OneFootball

AC Milan boss urges Chelsea target Rafael Leao to stay in Italy

As per the quotes on Football.London, AC Milan boss Stefano Piolo has urged Chelsea target Rafael Leao to stay with the defending Serie A champions.

Leao has been linked with the Blues since the latter half of the summer transfer window. They tried signing late in the summer but Milan cited a £127m release clause that needed to be paid.

The Portugal international, who is currently in Qatar representing his nation in the World Cup, has a contract with Milan until the summer of 2024 (Transfermarkt).

AC Milan boss urges Chelsea target Rafael Leao to stay in Italy. (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images)

Here’s what Pioli said when asked about the player’s future at Milan (h/t Football.London):

A few days ago, as per the report on Football.London, Leao’s father stated the forward’s happiness in Milan and how talks of a new contract are progressing despite interest from other clubs.

If the 23-year-old extends his stay in Italy, it might be a blow for Chelsea as they have earmarked his signature for quite some time now.

Leao is an exceptional player who has probably been one of the best forwards in Europe in the last year or so. He can play in any forward line position and can score and assist goals for fun.

AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Rafael Leao. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

From the start of last season till the first half of this, the Portuguese star scored 17 goals and assisted 15 in 48 Serie A appearances. He has pace, can take defenders on, has good finishing technique and is physically strong.

Chelsea could do with someone like him in their forward line. We have lacked conviction and quality in the final third this season. The issue of forwards not scoring enough has been present for the last few years.

close to joining us, we need more than that to reinvigorate our front -line.