Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham on red alert as 'next Kylian Mbappe' makes honest transfer claim
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have been dealt a major blow to their hopes of signing Rafael Leao this summer. The 24-year-old forward has been heavily linked with an exit from AC Milan recently as he continues to impress in the Serie A.
Leao, who sees his contract at the San Siro expire in 2028, has featured 23 times in the Italian top flight this term, scoring four goals and providing eight assists. Despite suffering a hamstring injury over the festive period, he's still managed to lead the Rossoneri into third place while also courting significant interest.
According to Spanish publication Sport, the Portugal international is a priority signing for Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe set to leave the French capital at the end of the season following the expiration of his deal. While the Parisians – and many other clubs – may be eager to sign him, the report adds that Leao has a €175million (£150m) release clause.
Ahead of Milan's clash against Lazio this weekend, the Portuguese star was quizzed on his future. As quoted by Sports Mole, Leao said: «In Milan they helped me grow as a man and as a player. I can't leave them. My future is in Milan. My education is based on loyalty.
»It was difficult for me to leave [Portugal]. I had my friends there, my parents, I went to a city where I didn't know anyone. It was a new championship, they called me the Portuguese Mbappe, but I needed time to adapt to a new reality."
In May 2023,football.london understood Leao had been closely watched by Chelsea since joining Milan in 2019. Since penning a new deal at the San Siro, it remains to be seen whether the Blues still hold an interest in the talented forward.
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