Transfer Centre

Paolo Maldini provides update on Rafael Leao future amid exit talk

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 January 2023

Maldini provides update on Leao future amid exit talk

AC Milan director Paolo Maldini says that Rafael Leao, who is being linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, wants to sign a new contract at San Siro.

AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has said that Rafael Leao wants to sign a new contract at San Siro.

The 23-year-old's future remains the subject of much speculation, with Chelsea and Manchester City both thought to be keen to sign him in the summer of 2023.

Chelsea are believed to have failed with two separate offers for the Portugal international last year, with Milan determined to keep hold of the key attacker.

Leao has now entered the final 18 months of his deal at San Siro, and his contract situation has led to a host of speculation surrounding his future with the Italian giants.

However, Maldini has said that discussions over an extension are ongoing, and the Milan director is confident that the Portuguese wants to extend his stay with the club.

Rafael Leao celebrates scoring for AC Milan on August 27, 2022 © Reuters

"We are talking, there are video calls and we don't necessarily have to meet in person. We will try to reach a solution," Maldini told Mediaset.

"It seems that the two parties want it and now we want to try to close. Our will is there and that of the player seems to exist.

"This year we have focused on the renewal of our player base, built with the first transfer campaign of 2019 and practically everyone has renewed. It must be said that all those who wanted to renew have renewed."

Leao has again been in impressive form for Milan during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering nine assists in 23 appearances in all competitions.

The forward was also in action for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, scoring twice in three appearances at the competition, finding the back of the net against Ghana and Switzerland.

AC Milan's Rafael Leao celebrates scoring their third goal on September 3, 2022 © Reuters

Last month, Milan president Paolo Scaroni also said that he was confident that an agreement would be found.

"They tell me that in Milan he is very well off, that he is motivated. I know that [Paolo] Maldini is negotiating with him and as far as I just said if he negotiates, I'm calm," Scaroni told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Leao arrived at Milan from Lille in August 2019, and he has played 138 times in all competitions for the Serie A side, contributing 35 goals and 30 assists in the process.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the forward, but the Red Devils are thought to be prioritising other options in the final third of the field.

Leao has seven goals and six assists in 16 Serie A appearances this term, while he scored once and provided three assists in six outings in the group stage of the Champions League.