Arsenal and Chelsea look set to miss out on the chance to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window. The Portugal international had been linked with a move to the Premier League after talks over a contract renewal at the San Siro had stalled.
Leao was crowned as Serie A Most Valuable Player and Serie A Football of the Year - scoring 14 goals and providing a further 12 assists in all competitions for Milan last season. The Blues got a first-hand look at the winger earlier this season in the Champions League group stages with Reece James claiming the Milan forward was one of the toughest wingers he has faced in his career, to which the Portuguese forward replied: "My bro."
Leao had cast doubt over a move to the Premier League earlier this term despite revealing it has always been a dream of his to play in England. AC Milan sporting director Frederic Massara said earlier this season: "We’re confident to reach an agreement with Rafael Leao and extend his contract."
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That agreement has now been reached between the Italian outfit and the player with The Athletic reporting that Leao has signed a new long-term deal at the San Siro. The 23-year-old, who joined Milan from Lille in August 2018, has been rewarded with a new deal for helping his side progress to the semi-final stage of the Champions League.
Milan take on their fierce rivals Inter tonight in their Champions League semi-final first-leg, with both ties being played at the San Siro given both clubs share the stadium. Leao may not feature for AC Milan after picking up a thigh injury in the 2-0 win over Lazio on Saturday.
Leao returned to training on Tuesday but worked separately from his team-mates, and Milan coach Stefano Pioli has admitted he will wait until closer to kick-off to make a decision over his involvement in the first leg. “Tomorrow (Wednesday) he will try to push himself to the maximum to understand if he can take part in the match,” Pioli said.
Chelsea were keen on signing Leao last summer but have reinforced their attack with the arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling in the last two transfer windows. football.london understands Christopher Nkunku is set to complete a move to Stamford Bridge this summer after signing a pre-contract agreement earlier this season.
Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard in January but are still searching for a versatile attacker to join the Belgian, along with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners have been linked with a move for Raphinha once again after the Brazilian signed for Barcelona last summer.
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