Manchester City have been reportedly linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, with the Skyblues registering ‘concrete’ interest in the Portuguese international who has begun 2022 with a bang, scoring 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 matches, as per Sempremilan.
Leao, 22, has been sensational this season netting the ball 7 times and assisting thrice in 22 appearances across all competitions. The Portuguese winger has been instrumental in AC Milan occupying the second spot in Serie A table with 48 points, with a two-point difference behind league leaders Inter Milan.
In a recent interview, when enquired about his future at the San Siro, Laeo stated
"“Renewal?” I don’t know. Now I’m fine. Milan is a great club and Milan is a great city, I’m very happy here. Let’s see it’s still early.”"
Source: Calciomercato.
Milan though have been keen on extending the former Lille winger’s contract, with Massara and Maldini in talks with Laeo’s agent Jorge Mendes for several weeks to renew his contract which expires in 2024, as per the Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The winger seems to be dissatisfied with his current wages and wishes for the new contract to be in terms with his recent improvements, which have been pivotal to Milan fighting for trophies this season.
Manchester City have been linked to several forwards, especially with speculations regarding Raheem Sterling’s future at the Etihad still uncertain. With reports emerging that the 26-year-old wants a move to Spain, the Cityzens have been in pursuit of a replacement and Leao seems to fit the bill perfectly with his sudden bursts of acceleration, his skill, dribbling, and the fact that he remains a constant threat in the attacking third.
The report concludes by saying that attention from various Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, represents an obstacle to Milan’s current offer on the table for the Portuguese winger. The defending champions certainly have the financial muscle to offer the 22-year-old a better contract in financial terms. In my opinion, Rafael Laeo will extend his stay at San Siro, provided that AC Milan improve their current proposal, or else a move to Manchester City may be very much on the cards.