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Rafael Leao confirms he wants AC Milan stay amid exit talk

Rafael Leao confirms he wants AC Milan stay amid exit talk
© Reuters
Rafael Leao confirms that he wants to stay at AC Milan amid the ongoing speculation surrounding a potential transfer away.

Rafael Leao has confirmed that he wants to stay at AC Milan amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future with the Italian giants.

The 23-year-old only has a deal at San Siro until next June, and a number of clubs are believed to be interested in signing him during this summer's transfer window.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are among the teams thought to be keen on securing his signature in the upcoming market.

However, after helping Milan reach the semi-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday night, the Portugal international expressed a desire to sign a new contract with his Italian side.

Leao said that he is "very happy" with the Red and Blacks, but the two parties are still thought to be some way apart when it comes to personal terms.

AC Milan's Rafael Leao in action with Napoli's Hirving Lozano on April 12, 2023© Reuters

"I am very happy to be here. As I said before, Milan is my home. I still have one year left on my contract, we are talking. Do I want to stay? Yes," he told Sky Italia.

"But there are other things to settle. The most important thing is that we are in the semi-finals, we are having a great season and I am happy to be here and continue to help my team."

Leao provided assists in both legs of Milan's Champions League quarter-final with Napoli, as the reigning Italian champions advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-1 aggregate success.

The 23-year-old has been in strong form for his Serie A side during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering 12 assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.

AC Milan's Rafael Leao pictured on February 26, 2023© Reuters

Leao has one goal and five assists in 10 Champions League appearances this term, while he has managed 10 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances in Serie A, with Stefano Pioli's side in fourth spot in the table.

Milan are two points clear of fifth-placed Inter Milan in Italy's top flight and just three points behind third-placed Roma, but they are 22 points from leaders Napoli.

Leao made the move to San Siro from Lille in 2019, and he has represented the Italian side on 155 occasions, scoring 38 goals and contributing 33 assists in the process.

The Portuguese is believed to be aware that he could earn more money elsewhere, and it remains to be seen whether Milan are prepared to come closer to his demands in terms of wages.

Leao came through the youth system at Sporting Lisbon but only made five appearances for the Portuguese outfit before moving to Lille.

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