AC Milan striker Rafael Leao has responded to one fan’s extraordinary threat that he will cut his own leg off should he not pen a new contract at the San Siro.
The Portuguese forward has been linked with an exit from the Italian giants this summer, with Premier League outfit Chelsea thought to be interested in a move. He currently has just two years remaining on the deal that he originally signed in 2019 following a move from Ligue 1 side Lille which has seen his future at the club called into question.
AC Milan are hopeful of him staying for longer than that though with reports suggesting that they are aiming to tie him down to a new deal in order to stave off that interest.
Gazzetta dello Sport report that the Italian club are keen to agree terms over a new ‘long-term’ contract, whilst they do not intend on selling the forward for anything less than an eye-watering £127m fee.
One fan in particular appears to have taken matters into his own hands amid reports of the Portuguese committing his future to the reigning Serie A champions. One Twitter user with the handle @gabbocin took to the social media network saying: "If he [Leao] doesn't renew I'll cut my leg."
That caption accompanied a video showing a leg-based tattoo of Leao in action for Milan. The striker himself has even responded to the tweet with his own retort.
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He replied to the tweet with a series of crying and praying hands emoji but refused to give a hint over a potential new deal. That is not to say that Leao hasn’t addressed rumours over his future in the past.
Speaking to DAZN last season, the 23-year-old confirmed his satisfaction with life in Milan. He said: "I’m happy with AC Milan and I want to make history here. I’m really loving my life with this club."
Leao certainly enjoyed a stand-out season last term as AC Milan ended their long wait for a Serie A crown. He made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing a further 12 assists.
News of his potential new deal will not be welcomed by Chelsea who remain keen on bolstering their forward options even further despite the arrival of Raheem Sterling in a £50m deal from Manchester City. The Blues were also linked with Leao’s international colleague Cristiano Ronaldo after he penned a request to leave Manchester United this summer.
However, they have decided not to pursue the services of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and will instead focus their efforts on Robert Lewandowski should Barcelona fail to agree a deal for the Polish international.
In the meantime, the Blues are close to bolstering their defence with the signing of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, whilst they have seen their efforts to sign former player Nathan Ake fall flat with the Dutchman electing to remain with Man City.
