Report: Title winners ready to hand 23-year-old a new contract to stop Chelsea signing him

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AC Milan are reportedly ready to fend off Chelsea’s interest in Rafael Leao by offering him a new contract at the San Siro.

According to La Gazetta Dello Sport, the Blues have contacted Milan to ask about the availability of the 23-year-old star.

However, the Serie A title winners have devised a plan to keep their star attacker and stop Chelsea signing him.

It is understood the Italian giants are ready to offer the left-winger a new long-term contract.

Recent reports suggest Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has asked his club to try sign Leao this summer, who could cost as much as £127million due to his release clause.

Milan seem determined to keep the Portugal international, though.

Rafael Leao contract

Leao finished last season with 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions last season for Milan, so it’s no great surprise to see him linked with a potential exit in this summer transfer window.

He’s a skilful winger with bags of pace and trickery, plus he added more of a final product to his game last year.

Milan have already waved goodbye to the likes of Alessio Romagnoli and Franck Kessie this summer. Therefore, it makes sense they are desperate to keep a talisman like Leao and reward him with a new deal.

Blues priority must be elsewhere

In fairness, it’s not the worst idea for Chelsea to forget about Leao and focus on strengthening other areas of the pitch.

They’ve got a good crop of options now competing in the wide positions, especially with summer signing Raheem Sterling added to the ranks.

Thomas Tuchel desperately needs some defensive recruitments. It’s reportedly only a matter of time before the transfer of Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is finalised.

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