20 April 2023 , 08:45
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Champions League hero Rafael Leao has already expressed a desire to remain at AC Milan, despite his superb performances reportedly drawing interest from Premier League clubs.
The 2021/22 Serie A MVP was in scintillating form on Tuesday night as his side progressed to the last four of the Champions League, setting up his side's opening goal against Napoli with a mazy dribble from inside his own half.
In winning the Serie A title last season, Leao cemented his place among Europe's elite wingers. He has caught the eye again in the Champions League this season, with impressive performances drawing reported interest from group stage opponents Chelsea.
Liverpool are also said to have been 'monitoring' the 23-year-old winger, who also added two goals at the World Cup for Portugal. However, both Premier League clubs may not be able to seal what would be an impressive transfer coup, with the former Sporting and Lille forward having previously expressed a desire to remain in Milan.
Speaking after his side's semi-final win, Leao explained his current stance on a potential transfer, telling Sky Sport Italia: "I want to stay here at Milan, yes — but there are some things to resolve.
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"I’m still under contract for one more year, we’re in talks. I feel at home at AC Milan. I’m so, so happy to be here. What matters most now is that we're in the semi-finals, it's a great season and I want to continue helping the team."
Rafael Leao was awarded player of the match against NapoliWith Chelsea adding fellow left winger Mikhailo Mudryk for a large sum in January, a move to Stamford Bridge would appear unlikely.
While the Ukrainian has found it hard to settle at Stamford Bridge, he is likely to be given more time to settle and the lack of Champions League football would deter the likes of Leao from considering a switch.
Liverpool are also in a similar predicament at present, facing an uphill task to qualify for a place in Europe's elite club competition for next season.
That could open the door to another of the Premier League's big clubs but Manchester United are more likely to prioritise a goal scorer in the summer. Manchester City have been linked with the player twice before, in 2018 and 2022, but it remains to be seen if their interest will be reignited.