Rafael Leão's agent slammed reports of the player rejecting any contract extension talks with AC Milan in order to force through a transfer to Chelsea..

2023-02-03 18:35

Rafael Leão




Sky Sports' renowned Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano exclusively reported on Thursday that the agent of AC Milan's Portuguese international forward Rafael Leão has angrily refuted Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport's rumours for alleging that the player had made up his mind that he would not conduct any contract renewal negotiations with the club in order to move to Chelsea.


Romano published the above report through his personal official Twitter account. He said that Leão’s agent contacted him personally and clarified what he was referring to. He also criticized La Gazzetta dello Sport's antics as a means of fabricating fake news to attract clicks.


Romano quoted Leão's agent as saying: "There are too many fake and misleading rumours about Rafael Leão around, mainly in the Italian media."


"These reports have only one purpose, which is to affect like a parasite the cordial and professional negotiation process between us and AC Milan management on the renewal of Rafael's contract."


"We are currently working together to find a satisfactory solution for all parties. The player's priority has not changed, he wants to stay at AC Milan and continue to grow and thrive at the club and city he loves so much".


"As such, we categorically deny any desire by Rafael and/or his entourage to reduce his release clause in order to facilitate the player's free exit next summer."


"Rafael is fully focused on helping his club achieve important objectives and hopes to work calmly and undisturbed during this difficult period so that he can continue to help the team win."


A few days ago, La Gazzetta dello Sport alleged that Leão was furious because AC Milan raised its release clause to €150 million euros from the original €75 million in the new contract provided by AC Milan, and decided not to sign this new contract which will run until the summer of 2027. He will also no longer accept the club's subsequent contract renewal negotiations requests.


The report even claimed that Leão was so furious because he hoped to be able to join Chelsea with a lower release clause or free during this upcoming summer transfer window or next summer.


In fact, the news that Chelsea wants to sign Leão is not groundless. As early as October last year, the Mirror had already released reports claiming that the Premier League giants is very interested in signing the Portuguese forward who can't stop scoring.


Leão, who is only 23 years old, joined AC Milan from Lille for €35 million in August 2019. Since joining, Leão has played 196 times for I Rossoneri across all competitions, scoring 36 goals and assisting 30 times, and won Serie A with the club last season.