Rafael Leao wants AC Milan stay, according to lawyer

Ted Dimvula - the laywer of Rafael Leao - has stated that the forward is eager to secure a new contract at AC Milan.

Over the past 18 months, Leao has established himself as the key man at San Siro, his performances proving crucial as I Rossoneri ended their wait for another Serie A title last season.

In total, the Portugal international has contributed 19 goals and 16 assists from 53 appearances in Italy's top flight since the start of 2021-22.

However, that has only sparked widespread interest in his signature, a result of the 23-year-old's contract being due to expire in 2024.

While Milan officials have regular stated that they have been in dialogue over a renewal, reports have claimed that the relevant parties are far apart at the negotiating table.

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As a result, the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United have both been credited with an interest in a player whose value will drop if he has not penned fresh terms by the summer transfer window.

Nevertheless, according to his lawyer, Leao will have become tied to Milan for years to come long before that period if discussions proceed how they hope.

Speaking to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Dimvula said: "There are many false and misleading informations about Rafael Leao, mainly in Italian press.

"This has only one aim: too parasitize cordial and professional exchange that we have with AC Milan management regarding the extension of Rafael's contract.

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"The player's priority has not changed: he wants to stay at AC Milan and continue to grow and progress in this institution and this city that he loves so much."

Dimvula's comments come at a time when Milan have dropped down to fifth position in the Serie A table, even with Juventus' recent points deduction.

A four-match winless streak has left Milan adrift of Inter Milan, Lazio and Atalanta BC in the race to secure Champions League football for 2023-24.

As it stands, it remains unclear whether Leao would require Milan to be playing at European football's top tier to commit his future to the club.