"I'm not at all worried" - AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli clarifies Rafael Leao stance amid interest from Chelsea
AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has opened up about the future of star forward Rafael Leao, who has been linked with a permanent move to Chelsea in the ongoing transfer window.
Leao, who has two years left on his current deal at the San Siro, shot to prominence with his impressive performances on the left flank last term. During the 2021-22 season, the forward registered 14 goals and 12 assists in 42 matches across all competitions for AC Milan.
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What a season for our silver surfer: @RafaeLeao7 🏄♂️⚽️
Rafa-gol: tutte le reti di Leão da rivivere insieme 🏄♂️️⚽️
#AlwaysWithYou #SempreMilan https://t.co/SbxTislDyi
According to The Times, Chelsea are monitoring the forward's situation, with a player-plus-cash deal potentially on the cards. The report adds that negotiations are currently ongoing with the player, who is interested in securing a move to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, AC Milan are aiming to extend Leao's deal until 2027 by offering him a lucrative salary, as per Milan News.
Speaking to Pianeta Milan, Pioli heaped praise on Leao and claimed that he is not troubled by the player's contract situation. He said:
"If he maintains this level, yes [he will be offered a new deal]. Otherwise, [Ante] Rebic is there. I'm not at all worried about contractual matters, you can see that he is happy to be with us."
He continued:
"Potentially, he is a champion, for strength and ability to jump. He has many goals in his legs, even more than last year. He has grown a lot without the ball, now he must be able to occupy the area better."
Leao, who rose through the ranks of Sporting CP during his early career, joined AC Milan from Lille for £19.5 million in the summer of 2019. Earlier this month, he received his first-ever Ballon d'Or nomination.
The Blues have made six major additions to their squad this summer. The club have signed Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei and Gabriel Slonina for a combined sum of over £180 million.
Chelsea have opened talks with AC Milan to sign Rafael Leão.
#CFC 
🚨 Chelsea have opened talks with AC Milan to sign Rafael Leão.
The deal is looking difficult as the Italian club don’t want to sell, but could do if a big offer appears. 🇵🇹🔵 #CFC
The Bues are willing to include Ziyech in a deal. However, the Milano club want Kovačić too. 🤝 https://t.co/wvqzIgTOUa
Anthony Gordon keen to join Chelsea this summer
Everton forward Anthony Gordon has reportedly informed his club about his desire to join Chelsea this summer, as per The Athletic. The Thomas Tuchel-coached side are prepared to dish out £50 million plus £10 million in potential add-ons for the player.
The Englishman, who made his Premier League debut in January of 2020, registered four goals and three assists in 40 matches across all competitions for the Toffees during the 2021-22 season.