Rafael Leao has put a major dent in Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans after the reported Arsenal target told DAZN he wants to stay at AC Milan for many years, as quoted by Calciomercato.
The 22-year-old is in his third season at the San Siro following a £32m move from LOSC Lille in 2019. But his long-term future in red-and-black is in some doubt, having entered the last two-years of his contract. The striker penned five-year terms following his arrival in Italy.
Milan hope to keep Leao at their club past the current campaign and aim to extend his deal to 2026. Additionally, Gazzetta dello Sport note the Rossoneri will almost triple his wage to €4m-a-season (£64k-a/w) from €1.5m (£24k-a/w). He will also earn bonuses above his deal.
Leao is enjoying a strong season so far in Serie A, with eight goals and four assists after 23 games. The three-cap Portugal forward has featured exclusively on the left of boss Stefano Pioli’s frontline. But he is at home through the centre, and can also play on the right wing.
His versatility in attack and goalscoring exploits have put Arteta on alert as he eyes summer signings. La Repubblica even report Arsenal are leading the race for Leao’s transfer, should he decide against signing the contract extension AC Milan believe will seal his commitment.
Arsenal suffer Rafael Leao blow as striker states ‘I want to stay’ at AC Milan
Leao has now put a dent in Arsenal’s transfer plans by sharing his wish to stay at AC Milan, though. The Portuguese hopes his first three seasons at the San Siro are just the start of his career in red-and-black as he wants to secure his place in the Rossoneri’s history books.
“I want to stay at Milan to make the history of the club,” Leao stated.
Leao can go a long way to cementing his status as an AC Milan icon by helping win Serie A this season. The Rossoneri last clinched the Scudetto in 2010/11 for their 18th Italian top-flight crown. Only Juventus (36) and San Siro rivals Inter Milan (19) have won more titles.
AC Milan are now in a fight with Inter and Napoli for the 2021/22 championship, with Juve in fourth. Pioli’s side sit second to Napoli after 27 games on goal difference with 57-points.
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