Aheed Abrar
AC Milan chief relaxed about the contract situation of Rafel Leao amidst Manchester United interest
Paolo Scaroni, the president of AC Milan, is confident about tying down Rafael Leao to a new contract amidst interest from Manchester United. The Italian revealed that the 23-year-old was happy with the Serie A outfit.
The Portugal international’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024. Thus, Stefano Pioli’s team wants to extend his stay with the Rossoneri. The Red Devils and Premier League rivals Chelsea are at the front of the queue for the forward’s signature.
However, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t The Sun), Scaroni revealed Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who is the technical director at the club, is looking after the negotiations to extend Leao’s existing deal.
“I’m told that Rafa is really happy in Milano and with AC Milan. Paolo Maldini’s taking care of the new deal negotiation so I’m confident and relaxed about it.”
The Stamford Bridge side have seemingly had a hard time in front of goal this season. They signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling in the recent transfer window to bolster their attack. However, the Blues have still been underwhelming up front.
As for United, the 23-year-old Portuguese is seen as an alternative to PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo. The Red Devils are looking for a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old left the club recently, midway through the season. As a result, the Old Trafford side are seemingly short up front. Thus, adding reinforcements should be a priority for the Manchester-based club.
Leao has been in fine form for Milan since the previous campaign. The 23-year-old helped the club lift their first Scudetto after an 11-year drought last season.
The forward was also impressive for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup. He scored two goals in Qatar for his national side. However, Fernando Santos’ team fell short in the quarter-final clash against Morocco.
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Leao is a natural winger. But at the moment, United evidently need a clinical number nine due to Anthony Martial’s fitness issues in the current campaign. Thus, it would be wise for the club to turn their attention to other targets for now.
