A report from Spain suggests that Milan are closing in on a contract renewal with Portuguese winger Rafael Leao after months of negotiations. Talks between the two parties have been continuing since last year with recent reports suggesting that there was a deadlock and no signs of progress, with the idea being that the Rossoneri may have to sell the star this summer to avoid losing him.
Journalist Matteo Moretto now writes that the players will has always been to remain with Milan as he is well settled with the club, and enjoys living in the city of Milan.
During last summers transfer market, Chelsea verbally presented the Rossoneri with an important offer which was reportedly close to €100 million, however, the bid was rejected by Milan. In recent weeks, Manchester City had also indicated their interest, sending ‘signals of great appreciation’ to the Portuguese players entourage. As of today, however, the ‘path towards a renewal’ with Milan finally seems to be heading in the right direction.
According to Moretto, after several positive contacts in recent weeks, there is a basis of agreement between the parties for a renewal that will not be annual: Milan will commit to pay the fine of almost €19 million that the Portuguese would have had to pay Sporting Lisbon for unilaterally terminating his contract with the club, following the attacks by fans at the sporting training centre in May 2018. Leao i set to become one of the highest paid members of the Milan squad, with a salary of around €5 million net per season.
Further contacts will be necessary to fully define the basis of this agreement, but the path is well mapped out and, after months, the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight. Moretto does suggest that there is an important detail that may yet have an influence, namely whether Milan will qualify for the next Champions League competition, which seems entirely logical.
This season, Leao has scored 11 goals and provided ten assists in all competitions, making 36 appearances in all competitions.
