Rafael Leao believes Chelsea do not really want him after their January spending spree and is now closer to signing a contract extension with AC Milan, according to Gianluca di Marzio.
The Blues have reportedly been linked with Leao for a while, with even reports suggesting they were leading the race for the winger.
However, rather than trying to convince Milan to sell their star player, Chelsea spent a reported €70milion (£63m) plus a potential €30m (£27m) in add-ons on Mykhailo Mudryk, another talented left winger.
Di Marzio claims that Leao is now convinced that Chelsea do not have any serious interest in him after their January spending.
“I expect a renewal, although I don’t know what the contractual conditions and the value of the clause will be,” the Italian journalist told Chiamarsi Bomber when speaking about Leao’s contract situation at Milan.
“There is the intention on both sides to continue together.
“[Leao] also knows that staying at AC Milan is the best choice because he is loved and considered by everyone.
“Moreover, he understood that Chelsea didn’t really want him otherwise, given all the money spent in January, they would have made a mega offer for him as well.”
Would Leao have been a better signing than Mudryk? Only time can tell, but both are obviously exceptional talents.
While it is not impossible, Mudryk’s arrival might also have closed the door for any potential Chelsea move for Leao.
Even if Chelsea were to offload Christian Pulisic, who is reportedly among the six players the London club are looking to sell in the summer, it seems unlikely that Leao would agree to move to Stamford Bridge without guaranteed game time.
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