Milan make decision on Chelsea's Rafael Leao swap deal
Karan Tejwani
- 19 Nov 2022 13:20 CST
- 3 min read
Rafael Leao’s future is up in the air as the Portuguese has been linked with several moves away from Milan over the last few months.
Leao has been interested to clubs like Chelsea, who were keen to make a move for him back in the summer but were unwilling to pay big for him late in the transfer window.
Since then, they have maintained their interest in Leao having tracked his progress and are looking for a way to get the deal done in the near future.
READ: Rafael Leao: Important transfer update issued to Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid
However, Milan have made it clear that they won’t be encouraging any deal that isn’t a straight cash deal and will not be looking to get players in exchange.
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Milan only want cash
According to Tuttosport, although Milan are interested in Rafael Leao and Hakim Ziyech, they are not interested in a cash plus player deal for the sale of Leao.
Leao was of interest towards the end of the transfer window, but Milan were demanding upwards of €100 million for him, but Chelsea were hoping to make a deal involving a player.
READ: Which Chelsea forward is key to Rafael Leao transfer pursuit?
Leao has a contract until 2024 but Milan are working on a deal to extend it in order to get them in a good negotiating position ahead of next year where interest is expected to remain high.
The 23-year-old was named Serie A’s best player last season in a campaign where Milan ended an 11-year title drought and won the championship in fine fashion.
📊𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚
In #SerieA💎 in 2022, @RafaeLeao7 is the player who took part in the most goals: 24, 13 goals and 11 assists 👌
Magnificent, @ACMilan 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/t5GHxNBee2— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) November 19, 2022
Leao has a €150 million release clause which was not valid in the final days of the summer transfer window; Chelsea were willing to offer €120 million this past August, but Milan refused to sell for less than his release clause.
Milan have made it clear for several weeks they are looking to extend his deal and see him as a long-term option for their squad.
