Rafael Leao: Important transfer update issued to Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

• 17 Nov 2022 11:14 GMT
• 3 min read

Those clubs chasing Milan striker Rafael Leao have been given an important update with regards the striker’s future.

Leao has been high on the list of the shortlist of many top European sides for months after scoring 14 times and creating 12 more as he helped the Rossoneri to win Serie A last season.

Although there was interest in the summer, Milan were insistent that he would only go if his €150 million release clause was met.

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The 23-year-old has since continued his electric form, scoring seven and creating nine, making that figure seem altogether more reasonable.

The striker, who is presently with the Portugal squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, only has 18 months left to run on his present contract and Milan are attempting to tie him down to a fresh deal that would go some way to ward off suitors.

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And Antonio, who is Leao’s father, has admitted that there are talks in progress.

“We are dealing with it, because Rafael Leao has a contract that ends in 2024,” he told Record.

“Until that date, we are dealing with all of that.

“Without Chelsea, without Barcelona, without Real Madrid, we are dealing with that.

“Rafael loves being in Italy. He has an affection for the Italians that the Portuguese don’t have for him.

“He won the trophy for best player in Serie A not because he’s handsome, but because he’s the best.”

What clubs want to sign Rafael Leao?

Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all been linked with a move for the forward, who is valued at €47 million by FootballTransfers.

The Premier League side are thought to be favourites to sign him. Their need to reinforce their attack is greatest, while new owner Todd Boehly is also seeking to construct a young team, in which Leao would form a centrepiece.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are seeking an alternative to Kylian Mbappe, who rejected their advances to stay at PSG last summer. Leao, who has been dubbed the ‘Portuguese Mbappe’, could feasibly fill that role.

Barcelona’s financial position means that any transfer for Leao remains a long shot, though Joan Laporta proved last summer that the club can still pull off major coups.