‘Must stay’: World Cup winner hopes reported £32m Leeds and Wolves target doesn’t leave

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World Cup winner Massimo Ambrosini believes AC Milan must do everything in their power to stop Rafael Leao leaving for Wolverhampton Wanderers or Leeds United, while speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Few would have expected, when the Rossoneri were sitting just a few points above the relegation zone in the autumn, that Stefano Piolo would lead them to sixth place and Europa League qualification during the very same season.

Milan picked up more points than any other side in Europe’s major leagues after the lockdown ended, storming up the table to finish above Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli.

While much of the credit must go to at 38-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who rolled back the years to inspire Milan on and off the pitch, Leao’s contribution should be not be underestimated.

A £32 million forward 17 years Zlatan’s junior provided five goals and assists in the final ten games of the Serie A campaign, sparking interest from Leeds and Wolves (Gianluca di Marzio and Calciomercato).

But according to legendary midfielder Ambrosini, Leao is the present and future of a rejuvenated Milan side inspired by a crop of highly-rated youngsters.

“Leao must stay and take to the field, eager to be decisive,” says the four-time Serie A champion, who believes Leao’s future is tied to that of the out-of-contract Ibrahimovic.

“If Ibra stays, (Leao) will make it (at Milan).

“Some players must mature and, next season, the Rossoneri’s bar will rise with people like Ibra. He is able to give his teammates the awareness of being at the top, so go ahead with him.”

Milan paid £32 million to sign Leao from Ligue 1 outfit Lille last summer and it feels very unlikely that either Leeds or Wolves can offer the sort of sums that would realistically tempt the Rossoneri to cash in one of Europe’s most promising young forwards.