Chelsea transfer target Rafael Leao is willing to sign a new deal with AC Milan, according to the latest reports. The Portuguese star attracted interest in the summer but the Serie A outfit were adamant that he could only leave if his €150 million (£129.7m) buyout clause was met.
Milan's technical director Paolo Maldini has since confirmed that Chelsea informally enquired about Leao’s availability in the latter stages of the transfer window but their approach was rejected.
As cited by The Metro, Maldini told Sky Italy: "We have already started talking to him. But not now, for a long time. Every renewal can be simple or complicated, the will of the player makes the difference because that of the club is there.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola's honest Jude Bellingham verdict amid Chelsea and Liverpool transfer battle
"Renewal is an issue that we addressed many months ago. Rafa knows that to become stronger than now the solution is to stay with us. We are a young and growing team.
"He still has to learn many things but we intend to do great things and grow with him. Chelsea’s officially written offer did not arrive but on an informal level it did. Of course, it was rejected."
The Blues may be in for more disappointment too as it looks as though as Leao is open to staying in Italy long-term. As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Get Italian Football News, Leao is currently willing to sign a new deal with the Rossoneri, despite Chelsea’s attempts to sign him late in the summer.
Chelsea did end up signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Deadline Day as now sacked head coach Thomas Tuchel looked to reunite with his former player, but given the Gabonese striker's age (33), he's a stop-gap solution and the club will need to replace him further down the line.
READ NEXT:
Transfers, nurturing youth, formations and his weakness - What Graham Potter brings to Chelsea
Graham Potter has freedom Thomas Tuchel didn't with mastermind Billy Gilmour plan in £2m deal
Jurgen Klopp mocks Todd Boehly for Premier League All-Star idea as Chelsea owner faces backlash
Five Chelsea legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time
